Somalia gets new parliament

215 members of Parliament were sworn in on Monday in Somalia, ending the 8 year-rule of the internationally backed transitional government. The seats were filled with the aid of clan leaders, since proper elections could not be held in the country.

The top United Nations envoy in Somalia, Dr. Augustine Mahiga has described the day as a watershed between transition and transformation.

"By transformation I mean stabilization of the country, stabilization of the country, new plan, new ideology, new institutions and a direction towards greater democracy in Somalia,” he said. “ The politics of transition will give way to the politics of greater inclusiveness that transcend clan and regional loyalties into political parties, a new parliament and eventually direct elections for both local and central governments."

One transformation that has not happened is the selection of a new president, which is the job of the parliament, but the different factions in the country have yet to come to an agreement. Last year, the Al Qaeda linked Islamic militant group Al-Shabab was forced out of the capital Mogadishu. Since then, the city has struggled to return to normal.

Several key tasks must be completed by the government.

“Filling civil administration, starting revenue collection mechanisms, so the country and sustain itself, and also good governance,” listed Abdi Hosh Jebril, the Minister of Constitutional Affairs.

Security also remains an issue. African Union troops continue to patrol the capital, and large portions of the country are outside of government control.

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