Somalia’s Wadajir Party, led by Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, is speaking out against how members are being chosen for the country’s new Independent Human Rights Commission.
The party claims the Presidency is interfering and wants the entire process stopped right away.
Why is Wadajir Party Concerned?
In a statement released recently, Wadajir Party shared serious worries.
They say the way commission members are being picked isn’t clear or fair.
The party believes that if the Presidency is involved in choosing members, it will make the Commission less independent.
This new Commission is supposed to replace the UN Independent Expert on Human Rights in Somalia.
Its main job is to push for accountability, justice, equality, and reconciliation in the country.
It’s seen as a vital step towards Somalia building its own institutions to protect human rights, following both the Somali Constitution and international rules.
What Does the Party Want?
Wadajir Party is demanding that the selection process be halted immediately.
They want it to be reorganized to fully follow:
- The Provisional Constitution
- The Law of the House of the People
- International human rights standards
The party stressed that civil society groups and Parliament, not the government’s Executive branch, should be in charge of picking the members.
They warned that if politics gets involved in the Commission, people will lose trust in it, and the institution won’t be seen as credible.
Background: What Led to This Controversy?
This disagreement comes after tests were given in Mogadishu to people hoping to join the Commission. The Ministry of Family and Human Rights, along with government and civil society representatives, oversaw these tests.
This dispute adds to increasing tension between Somalia’s opposition parties and the federal government. They’ve been clashing over the fairness of important state-building efforts, including constitutional reforms, elections, and the creation of independent institutions.
What are your thoughts on the importance of an independent Human Rights Commission in Somalia?
