Britain welcomes approval of a new national constitution for Somalia

British Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham welcomed the news that the constitution has been approved and urged Somalia’s leaders to maintain the momentum and press ahead with ending the transition. Bellingham said: “I am pleased that the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) has approved a new Constitution. The fact that 96% of those present in the NCA voted in favour of the new Constitution reflects the decisive national will to move forward with the political process. This landmark decision bodes well for Somalia’s future.” He urged Somalia’s leaders to maintain the momentum and press ahead with ending the transition by 20 August. “The international community is and will continue to provide the necessary support to the process. I call on the Elders to fulfil their responsibilities by finalising the list of candidates for the next Transitional Federal Parliament as soon as possible, to allow proper scrutiny by the Technical Selection Committee. This process is vital for ensuring that Somalia’s Parliament commands full legitimacy and respect, and is able to carry out its primary duties of enacting legislation and holding the new government to account.”