I am proud because this is the first national government programme to be fully planned and prepared by the Somali Government. It is borne from our observations as Somalis about what is needed in Somalia, and has been developed by Somalis for Somalis.

I acknowledge the very hard work of the Ministry of Interior and Federal Affairs in bringing this to fruition.

I thank all of you from coming from all over Somalia to sit together to discuss how Wadajir will work, to ask questions, and to commit to establishing good, working systems that support local governance.

Why is the Wadajir Framework so important?

Within the Wadajir logo is the "Quraca” symbol -- Somali for the Acacia tree. Somalis for centuries have sat together under this tree to talk, laugh, cry and celebrate. It is also the tree under which Somalis have traditionally met to resolve disputes. This image and the symbolism it projects will be carried through every aspect of the WF.

The Wadajir Framework (WF) outlines a holistic community-owned and led process leading to the formation of permanent administrations at both the district and regional levels.

It consists of 4 components: reconciliation, civic dialogues, small infrastructure projects (Peace dividend projects) and setting up local governance structures

The Wadajir Framework joins the centre to the regions and gives Somalis a common experience of what it means to have a working state.
It harmonises all the different programs that donors are operating under a common framework and toward a common purpose.

It shows that the government is being a government: it is leading the way and creating an environment where progress can be made.

Why is local governance important?

Achieving peace and stability is critical for Somalia. It is not a linear process, but involves many different initiatives with different actors.

Whilst it includes security, rule of law, service delivery and economic recovery, action should be focused on achieving the most basic elements that will help mitigate conflict, instil confidence in the population and at the same time lay the groundwork for stable and sustainable peace and prosperity.

While each sector is critical to success, governance carries special importance. Central governance structures and processes should be mirrored and linked up with corresponding local governance structures to allow and enable a governance continuum.
Local governing structures and systems must exist to enable the full participation of all stakeholders in the decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods; the prioritization of major needs against limited resources, and coordination to avoid duplication of services.

Without a joined up and institutionalised governing system - even if it is limited for the moment- the results on the ground create confusion, providing openings to spoilers, and result in very poor service delivery.

Local governance is a critical part of the stability picture.

These pictures around the room show us where we have come from: chaos, confusion, war and civil strife. It is a past we need to leave behind.

They show us the future we want: order, employment, peace. It is the future we must plan and work together for. This is not just the government’s task, or a Ministry’s- it is for all us to do.

The Wadajir Framework provides an example of how the federal centre can work with the regions.

It will be centrally coordinated by the federal Ministry of Interior, but each Ministry at the region level will take responsibility for ensuring the program is rolled out and functions in its own region.

A monitoring system will be established that collects information from the regions and feeds it back to the centre to enable evidence-based decision making about what’s working and what’s not.

What do we need to have in place to make sure that local governance is effective?
Governance cannot exist without a solid foundation of peace and tolerance.

That’s why reconciliation is so important

Must not just be political reconciliation between Ministers or Presidents, but between clans, families and neighbours

Reconciliation cannot just be a top down process, it must be led by the people’s will to have peace, to put aside the hurt and pain of the past and to pursue tolerance and forgiveness, rather than revenge.

We need to accept each other, and learn to trust. Trust is not a thought, trust is an action.

We can accept each other if we forgive each other.

These are big decisions – and in some cases, they cost us our pride, but we must be prepared to do this if we want to get rid of al-Shabaab, if we want to stop grievances between the clans and fights between friends turning into larger battles.

Reconciliation is not an overnight process. It requires patience, listening to each other.

It must not be an externally driven process. It must come out of the hearts of Somalis, and must serve to mend the hearts of Somalis.

In conclusion

I commend the Wadajir Framework to you.

I charge you all here today to implement this together for the good of Somalia: for our families now and our families to come.

SECURITY

You are aware that the terrorist groups are trying to set a foot and spread their wings in Puntland regional state. Al Shabab is trying to undermine the stability of Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia will not allow that to happen.

The Federal Government of Somalia is fully supporting Puntland in this war against the terrorist groups, and I am sure they will be defeated.

DROUGHT

As you know severe drought has been reported in many areas across the country. There is a shortage of water, livestock are dying, and people cannot afford to get their basic needs. I call on Somalis, local and international NGO’s and the international community to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to drought affected Somali people.
I urge all Somali people and the international community to put together their efforts of helping these poor people.