Hundreds rally in Mogadishu to support peace deal

The Addis Ababa agreement is expected to end years of wrangling between the Somali government and leaders of Ras.

Hundreds of people held a rally in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu in support of an agreement reached by the Somali government and leaders of the southern Jubba regions in the Ethiopia.

The agreement creates an interim administration for the three regions in the southernmost border area with Kenya and Ethiopia following deadly clashes between various local militias vying for control of the region particularly the port city of Kismayo.

The rally gathered at the city’s main square carrying banners and placards and chanting slogans in support of the Addis Ababa deal and government’s efforts at national reconciliation in Somalia.

Somali government officials and community leaders who attended the rally called for the continuation of the national reconciliation between the federal government and groups and factions with grievances.

“We believe this agreement will bring together Somalis and further strengthen unity and national cohesion,” Somalia’s interior Minister, Abdelkarim Guled, said at the rally.

Residents of the Somali capital who attended the rally said they welcomed the agreement which they said will lead to peace in the southern regions.

“We support the agreement and the new administration in the south. We hope it will be able to stand on its feet and be for the benefit of its people,” Amina Abdulle, a Mogadishu resident at the rally said.

The Somali government refused to recognise a regional autonomous state unilaterally proclaimed in Jubba region early in the year, saying the new arrangement was not inclusive of the diverse clan made up of the area.

The Addis Ababa agreement is expected to end years of wrangling between the Somali government and leaders of Ras Kamboni, a main militia group in the southern Jubba regions, over the future governance of the region in federal Somalia.

The deal stipulates the formation of an interim administration for two years and the inclusion of various clans in the area in the management of the region.