Date: 5/12/2024
Project Partner Institution: German Foreign Federation office (GFFO).
Location: Dhuusamareeb / Galmudug Hotel
Key discussion points:
Rules of Procedure and State Assembly Functions:
- Detailed explanation of the Galmudug State Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, focusing on:
- Legislative processes.
- Powers and responsibilities of assembly.
- Oversight functions and mechanisms available to civil society.
Parliamentary History and Separation of Powers:
- Historical overview of parliamentary systems in Somalia and the Galmudug State Assembly.
- Importance of the separation of powers for effective governance and accountability.
- Discussion on how civil society can leverage the separation of powers to advocate for transparency and reforms.
Civil Society Empowerment and Participation:
- Strategies for civil society to engage effectively with the State Assembly.
- Empowerment tools and resources available to civil society for advocacy and oversight.
- Importance of collaboration and mutual respect between civil society and assembly.
Main points of interest raised by the participants: –
Challenges Identified:
- Lack of prior understanding of the Rules of Procedure and their significance.
- Limited civil society representation in parliamentary discussions and decision-making.
Positive Developments:
- Participants appreciated the detailed explanation of parliamentary functions and their connection to civil society’s role.
- Acknowledgment of the importance of empowering civil society to hold the State Assembly accountable.
Specific Recommendations:
- Simplify the Rules of Procedure document for easier understanding by the broader civil society.
- Conduct additional training workshops for civil society members on parliamentary advocacy and oversight skills.
- Establish a dedicated civil society desk in the Galmudug State Assembly.
Evaluation/ Follow-up: –
Participant Feedback:
- Participants expressed increased confidence in their understanding of the Rules of Procedure and parliamentary functions.
- Appreciation for the inclusion of parliamentary history and separation of powers in the agenda.
Next Steps:
- Prepare for the consultation workshop on the reviewed Rules of Procedure, incorporating civil society feedback.
- Develop a strategy for civil society to participate in future legislative processes.
