basic program of the national unity party nup-somalia1

8/12/2019 Basic Program of the National Unity Party NUP-Somalia1

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National Unity Party (NUP)

UNITY - PEACE - PROSPERITY

MOGADISHU –

SOMALIA

May, 2014



National Unity Party


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PREFACE

Somalia being the longest collapsed state requires nation-building and state

reconstruction. Nation-building aims strengthening national identity and social

integration to bring about politically and socially stable and economically sustainable

state. State reconstruction, on the other hand, requires rebuilding the infrastructure

and the national state institutions destroyed during the civil war. These two

processes normally occur concurrently and often influence each other.

Somalia had the experience of early democratic culture which had been aborted by

the 1969 military coup and the dictatorial regime which collapsed in 1991. Somalia

has since then failed to reconstitute its statehood and has been mired in more than

two decades of anarchy and civil wars. Currently, the Somali government is

internationally recognized and with all the huge challenges there is a glimpse of hope

for rebuilding a viable state. To achieve this objective, democratization through

political parties is the only vehicle available. Somalia must move away from the so

called "traditional democracy" based on clan-based power sharing formula of 4.5 that

has been in place since 2000 to free and fair elections.

For that purpose in mind, the National Unity Party came into formation in February

26, 2014. To make the identity of the party and its general orientation

comprehensible, the Party had developed its Provisional Basic Program (PBP). The

PBP explains how the party differentiates itself from others and covers fifteen critical

sectors essential in the state reconstruction and nation-building process.

This program is approved by the Provisional National Central Committee of the Party

in its first quarterly meeting held in Mogadishu on May 30, 2014. This PBP shall be

reviewed within the two years as stipulated in the Provisional Charter of the Party

which ends February 2016.





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TABLE OF CONTENT

Governance 3

National Security 4

Foreign Policy 5

Economy 6

Judiciary 7

Healthcare 8

Education 9

Social Welfare 10

Women Empowerment 12

Youth Empowerment 13

Energy 14

Environment 15

Telecommunication 16

Mass Media 18

Transport and Roads 19

Somali Diaspora 20





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GOVERNANCE

Public governance is a complex matrix of relationships between various state

institutions regarding responsibility and accountability for the management andcontrol of public resources and the delivery of programs and services. All state

institutions have a responsibility to operate within the Constitution to manage public

resources with prudence, integrity, and with due regard to economy, efficiency and

effectiveness. Bad public governance is the main cause of state collapse in Somalia

and constitutes the main challenges to its reconstruction. Nevertheless, the collapse

of the state with all its challenges may offers also an opportunity to rebuild public

governance on sound foundation relevant to the Somali social, political and

economic realities. The objective of the Party on governance in the Provisional

Charter is "To advocate in creating a transparent system of accountancy in the state

and non-state institutions in order to avoid public funds embezzlement,

mismanagement, corruption and tax evasion".

The Party Program on public governance is founded on the following:

1. Striving for the realization of not only principles of good governance such asaccountability, transparency, equity and inclusiveness and implementing rule of

law, but also sound governance that considers traditional values and wisdoms,

and the role of donor community as important components.

2. Streamlining government structure and establishing basic ministries and

institutions to avoid changes that create havoc to the functionality of government

bodies and to prevent the unnecessary bureaucratization and enlargement of

ministerial portfolios.

3. Encouraging and strengthening professionalism and best practices in managing

government operations and the civil service by avoiding nepotism, favoritism and

special-interest-driven appointments.

4. Ensuring that holders of public offices and government employees exemplify

national values, exhibit good governance practices and deliver services to the

public with humility and respect.

5. Creating the culture of team work, collectivism and cooperation in all sectors of

the government and among federal state institutions.





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6. Establishing Grievance Redress Mechanism that responds to the citizen’s

grievances against state institutions and holders of the public offices at all levels

of the government institutions.

NATIONAL SECURITY

National Security must be understood as a wide and comprehensive concept that

encompasses multiple sectors that address major threats which impact on the lives,

safety, and well being of the country's citizens. However, being a collapsed state,

Somalia requires a new approach for rebuilding its security institutions' capabilities

from almost scratch and to lay the foundation for stable and sustainable state

institutions. The objective of the Party on National Security in the Provisional Charter

is "To campaign in rebuilding effective security institutions nurtured in the protection

of the human rights and capable of ensuring public safety and fulfilling national

security imperatives".

To rebuild effective security institutions, the Party gives priority to the following basic

program:

1. Build and develop national security institution model based on national vision,

values and respect for human dignity and protection of human rights.

2. Build and develop a professional Police Force that is able to enforce the rule of

law, ensure public safety and competently deal with all internal security threats.

3. Build and develop effective National Defense Force that is apolitical and

professional, not aggressive and oppressive.

4. Build and develop effective national intelligence institution capable of discharging

its duties to avert terrorism, espionages and subversive activities.

5. Change the conventional image of the security forces from being an oppressive

apparatus of the regime to the humble servants of the people with high ethical

standards.

6. Provide physical, technical and trained human resource capabilities for the

security institutions as well as adequate provision of all necessary resources

including but not limited to salaries, benefits, and retirement pension plan.





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7. Ensure that national security personnel should reflect inclusiveness of all regions

and communities and should provide equal opportunities for all the citizens.

8. Establish regional and international security cooperation and linkages to deal with

common threats such as violent armed groups, piracy, organized crimes and

drug trafficking.

FOREIGN POLICY

Foreign policy guides Somalia’s interactions and relationships with other states. It is

the twin to National security and both drive from each others’ imperatives. Somaliahad bad foreign policy history during the Cold War vacillating between the

superpower rivalries and having hostile relations with its neighbors. The

consequence of such policy was disastrous and Somalia can't afford to continue its

failed foreign policy approach. The new direction to the Somali Foreign policy

requires new approach and professional diplomats with the help of Somali Diaspora

community. The objective of the Party on Foreign Policy in its Provisional Charter is

"To initiate and support dynamic foreign policy which realizes national interest

through promoting regional integration of the Horn of African nations, closer

cooperation with the African, Arab and Islamic countries, and balanced relations with

international organizations and states to further global peace, security and

cooperation among nations".

The Party agenda on foreign policy is founded on the following basic program:

1. Realizing territorial integrity, political independence, economic well-being and

national unity of the country torn apart after the civil war through interactions with

other states, international bodies and non-state actors.

2. Adopting a strategy of comprehensive peace, maintaining good relations with

neighboring countries, and promoting regional integration agenda among IGAD

member states and beyond.

3. Offering priority to the improvement of diplomatic capacity and performance

through professional diplomats, trained human resource and technical

capabilities.





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4. Effective participation in the regional and sub-regional organizations such as

IGAD, African Union (AU); Arab League (AL) and Organization of Islamic

Cooperation (OIC).

5. Establishing special relations with countries with sizeable Somali Diaspora and

those hosting Somali refugees to reciprocate them with preferential treatment and

official acknowledgement.

6. Improving Somalia’s tarnished image and projecting the new Somalia as a

responsible and respectable member state among the world community.

7. Establishing party to party relations with other countries to promote friendship,

exchange experiences and enhance cooperation.

ECONOMY

More than two decades of civil war and state collapse, Somali people remained

resilient and their sprit of creativity and entrepreneurship produced robust private

sector. The sector has been growing, especially in the areas of trade, commerce,

transport, remittance services and telecommunications. On the other hand,

traditional sectors of the Somalia economy, notably livestock, agriculture and

fisheries, have been declining. Indeed, the economic challenges of Somalia are

multiple and include destroyed physical, human and social capital, distorted

economic incentives, wide spread poverty, massive unemployment, endemic

corruption and criminal networks plundering national resources. Thus, national

economic recovery policy should include restoring confidence in social, political and

economic institutions. It should give priority to employment, encourage foreign

investments and mitigate business risks. The objective of the Party on Economy in

the Provisional Charter is "To promote implementing economic model which nurtures

national economic drivers, creating enabling environment for investment, exploitation

of natural resources and developing adequate infrastructure".

To achieve economic recovery, the Party will adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Economic recovery will be based on nurturing the indigenous economic drivers

such as agriculture, livestock and fishery whereby national actors must take the

lead in the economic process.





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2. Provision of the enabling environment and appropriate regulations for the private

sector to flourish as the prime driver for job and wealth creation.

3. Regulation of financial sector; adoption of stringent fiscal and structural policies,

control of government expenditure and audit of public finance.

4. Prudent exploitation of natural resources and opening of export markets.

5. Creating conducive environment for internal investments, local/international

business partnership and encouraging mix economy.

6. Working towards the creation of free-trade zones and making Somalia a business

centre and a gate-way to African and Middle –Eastern Markets.

7. Giving priority to the development of the traditional economic sectors such as

agriculture, animal husbandry and fishery while exploring innovative use of

technologies to enhance those sectors.

JUDICIARY

As a result of the total collapse of state institutions in 1991, the modern judiciary and

related Rule of Law institutions had been destroyed. In its place, customary law

administered by traditional authorities and selective Islamic laws were applied in

various regions. Gradually, Somalia was shifting towards agreeing on Islamic law

since Somali Reconciliation Conference in Djibouti in 2000 in which Islamic Shari'a

became the ultimate reference of all state laws. The article (3:1) of the Somali

Provisional Constitution stipulates that: "The Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Somalia is based on the foundations of the Holy Quran and the Sunna of our prophet

Mohamed (PBUH) and protects the higher objectives of Shar i’a and social justice".

Emphasis on the rule of law is very critical in situations where the government

misuses public resources, where the executive power curtails the judiciary, and

where embezzlement and corruption is high. Moreover, the rule of law is essential for

the predictability of the behavior of all actors in society: the state, the people and

other political, social and economic forces. The objective of the party on Judiciary in

the Provisional Charter is "To foster national unity by means of promoting and

lobbying for the realization of justice and equality through full implementation of the

laws of the land, and further addressing past grievances and atrocities by the use of

transitional justice mechanism that is compliant with the Somali culture". Thus,





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National Unity Party considers reforming the judiciary system as a priority task to

reconstruct a viable Somali state.

The Party’s basic program on judiciary is summarized as follows:

1. Harmonization of the laws of the land to the Islamic principles and its higher

objectives in accordance with its various sources that permits development of the

Islamic jurisprudence through Ijitihad and incorporation of some local customary

law to the Islamic law.

2. Institute and develop an independent judiciary system in various levels and

distribute them to the various cities and towns to ensure that justice is

administered swiftly.3. Repair available judiciary infrastructure, expand them and adequately equip on

par with international standards.

4. Establish continuous training program of judiciary human resources to build their

capacities, improve their professional performance and advance their adherence

to their Code of Conduct and juridical ethics.

5. Develop and implement generous benefits for the judges to keep them dedicated

for their profession such as adequate salary, housing allowance, health

allowance and pension plans to ensure their security.

6. Reform the prison system and introduce innovative ways that gives due

consideration to the Somali culture and Islamic values.

HEALTHCARE

Since the collapse of the state in 1991, most health infrastructure has been

destroyed and large numbers of medical professionals have left the country. During

this period, international organizations and Somali non-state actors have undertaken

responsibility of healthcare provision. In particular, the Somali private sector and

non-profit institutions have undertaken the huge responsibility of producing health

professionals and importing supplies of pharmaceuticals. However, because of the

lack of regulations, gross violations of healthcare procedures such forgery of

professional qualifications, corrupted drugs, and hazardous food supplies are

prevalent. According to the Provisional Constitution "Every person has the right to





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healthcare, and no one may be denied emergency healthcare for any reason,

including lack of economic capability". (27:1). The objective of the party on

Healthcare in the Party’s Provisional Charter is "To promote provision of basic social

services to the citizens such as education and healthcare, caring vulnerable

segments of the society and implementing effective resettlement programs of the

refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)".

The Party gives its priority to the following basic program on Healthcare:

1. Prioritize in establishing comprehensive healthcare system based on primary

healthcare such as nutrition, water, sanitation, maternal and child healthcare,

immunization, eliminating communicable diseases and so on. 2. Create integrated and coordinated National Healthcare system which fosters

strong partnership in healthcare provision which is built on three-tiered

cooperation: public, private and non-governmental agencies.

3. Take ownership of national health facilities such as government hospitals, health

centers and dispensaries across the country and rehabilitate them to the required

standard of health facilities.

4. Improve the production and quality of human resource for healthcare delivery,

prioritizing frontline health workers for leadership and operational positions in the

Primary Healthcare.

5. Develop relevant legal instruments that govern and regulate health and health-

related activities such as registration and regulation of health professionals,

quality control of pharmaceuticals and so on.

6. Secure healthcare insurance compliant with Islamic principles for the state

employees and private sector through comprehensive programs

EDUCATION

Education is an indispensible investment in the present and the future of the nation.

It plays an important role in cultivating a national identity, nurturing responsible

citizenry and promoting social cohesion. Somalia has multiple identities which have

sometimes been exploited for negative ends. Our African and Arab identities, for





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instance, have been depicted to be in conflict with each other. NUP believes that our

Somali, Islamic, African and Arab identities are in harmony and should be viewed as

an advantage, especially in terms of our relationships with an increasing diverse

world. Aside from shaping our national identity, a well-planned education system caninculcate in our citizens the good morals and the progressive values that are

essential for sustainable peace and prosperity for the nation. Sadly, decades of civil

war after the collapse of the central government have destroyed the education

system. The revival of education was undertaken by civil society organizations and

communities who established completely non-state education system. However,

such education lacks the necessary guiding principles, common curriculums,

standards, accreditation and above all technical and human resource capacity.

According to the Provisional Constitution, "education is a basic right for all Somali

citizens. (30:1) and "every citizen shall have the right to free education up to

secondary school". (30:2). The objective of the party on education in the Provisional

Charter is "To promote provision of basic social services to the citizens such as

education and healthcare, caring vulnerable segments of the society and

implementing effective resettlement programs of the refugees and internally

displaced persons (IDPs)".

The party’s basic program on the education sector is as follows:

1. The National Policy on Education should strengthen national unity, promote a

sense of common citizenship, nurture democratic values, bolster national

integration, cultivate moral values and inculcate culture of peace and civic

responsibilities.

2. Establish a National Council for Higher Education with the mandate of formulating

and maintaining norms and standards, accreditation, monitoring and evaluation of

the institutions of higher education.

3. Create private-public partnerships in the education sector with a view of

developing a common curriculum and financing.

4. Enforce universal free primary education for all children and offering special

attention to gender inclusiveness to respond to the children's rights for education.





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5. Establish technical institutes and vocational training centers to increase youth

technical know-how and employability.

6. Advocate for the adoption of English, besides Somali and Arabic languages, as

one of the official languages used in the educational curriculum and programs.

7. Create educational opportunity to all segments of the society with the objective of

eliminating illiteracy through creating adult education programs, specialized

education for the disabled, continuous education and distance learning.

SOCIAL WELFARE

Somali civil war has resulted in huge social problems which require state/society

partnership and the intervention of Charities, NGO's and non-state institutions. The

most vulnerable groups in the society that demand social care include orphans,

children of unknown parents, the disabled, the elderly, the mentally sick, the poor,

displaced people, refugees and so on. The Provisional Constitution stipulates state

responsibility by stating that "It shall be ensured that the women, the aged, the

disabled and minorities who have long suffered discrimination get the necessary

support to realize their socio-economic rights" (27:5). Moreover, the objective of the

Party on vulnerable groups in its Provisional Charter is "To promote public/private

partnerships and encourage the role of non-state actors - such as civil society

organizations, community based organizations, charities, Trusts and Zakat funds - in

alleviating poverty, reducing vulnerability and leading to sustainable development".

The party’s basic program on vulnerable groups is as follows:

1. Provide an enabling environment in which vulnerable people of the society such

as orphans, the disabled, widows, the poor, the displaced, and refugees are

adequately cared for, supported and protected in all respects.

2. Care for the orphans and other vulnerable children by providing them the

necessary assistance in collaboration with their relatives, charities and

communities in order to enable them live to their full potential and to ensure that

their rights and aspirations are fulfilled.

3. Promote the formation of civil society organizations and networks that representthe disabled and other vulnerable groups and encourage those organizations to





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participate in the collective decision-making on issues related to policies and

services. These organizations and networks shall partner with other actors such

as government, charities, NGOs and CBOs.

4. Motivate self-employment of the disables through the provision of incentives and

formulate an affirmative action in order to ensure their employment in the state

institutions, NGO's, CBOs and the private sector.

5. Provide adequate education for disables of all ages and adopt Sign language and

Braille language for the communication of people with blindness and people with

hearing loss.

6. Construct assistive materials for disables by utilizing local resources and means

and providing those to them freely.

7. Establish relations with international institutions to exchange information and

experiences, and also to cooperate for the eradication, reduction and treatment of

disability.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Somalia is a Muslim country where many legal guidelines and roles of men and

women have been identified in the basic text of Islam. Unfortunately, traditional

cultures and misinterpretation of some Islamic texts had thwarted the full potential of

women's participation in the social, economic and political spheres. On the other

hand, liberalism and socialism which were attempted to be implemented in Somalia

introduced incompliant laws to the Islamic values, norms and culture. However,

improved knowledge of Islam and ascendancy of its moderate interpretation, growth

of civil society organizations where women played greater role and improved statusof women in terms of education and economic status, had drastically changed many

stereotypes against women in the Somali society.

Somali women's achievements after the civil war is impressive and their

competitiveness with men had been recognized in the Diaspora in particular.

Nevertheless, the gap between men and women is still very wide and does require

the mainstreaming of women in the state and non-state institutions. The objective of

the party on women in the Provisional Charter is "To champion in creating





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opportunities for, and encouraging the full development of the political, cultural and

economic potentials of the Somali women in order to enable them to competitively

participate in the political, social and economic spheres". The Party program

guidelines is based on mainstreaming women, a strategy for integrating their

concerns in the analysis, formulation and monitoring of policies, programs and

projects in order to promote their empowerment and ensure their rights.

The basic Party program on women is summarized as follows:

1. Advocate for mainstreaming women in the national development frameworks and

ensure that men and women participate as partners and beneficiaries in the

economic development of the country.2. Ensure equal access of women and men to public social services such as

education at all levels, basic healthcare services and other related services.

3. Promote Islamic education for women to break men's monopoly of Islamic

education and encourage production of women Islamic scholars capable of

advocating and safeguarding the rights of women from Islamic perspectives.

4. Promote, encourage and build the capacity of women to be able to fully

participate in governance structures, leadership positions, and decision-making

within the family, community, the Party and Government.

5. Promote and protect the human dignity of all citizens and ensure the rights of

women to be free from all forms of harm such as domestic violence, cruel female

circumcision, stereotypes and discrimination.

6. Strengthening the capacity and capability of governmental institutions serving

women in particular to exercise effective leadership over the coordination of the

implementation, monitoring and evaluation of women empowerment programs.

7. Promote creating civil society based on women's associations, NGOs and

networks at federal, regional and district levels as well as Diaspora women to

ensure women's active participation in the national integration and national unity.





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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Somali youth are considered to be more than half of the population, which means

Somalia is a very youthful country. The challenge is to develop comprehensiveintervention strategies and programs that accords youth the necessary support and

platform to fully participate in the affairs of the nation. The youth challenges are huge

and includes: high unemployment, low participation in decision-making, destroyed

facilities for recreation, leisure, sport and arts, lack of education and training,

environmental degradation and extremism in the name of Islam and clan. Thus,

young generations are in dire need for reclaiming the social morals and Islamic

values that define Somali identity as a unique nation to nurture common citizenship

and national unity. The objective of the party on youth in the Provisional Charter is

"To advance the cause of youth by providing them with educational opportunities,

recreational facilities as well as employment, so that they can fully participate in the

productive and service sectors of the society".

The Party adopts the following basic program on youth empowerment:

1. Incorporate youth interests and potentials in all national policies and programswith the participation of non-governmental institutions and organizations in order

to ensure collective and coordinated undertaking in the implementing of youth

programs and activities.

2. Develop youth leadership forums and encourage their social, economic and

political participation in rebuilding of the new Somalia.

3. Promote civil society based youth networks at federal, regional and district levels

as well as Diaspora youth to ensure national integration and national unity.

4. Promote physical, moral and spiritual development of the youth and their civic

engagement in order to foster peace, uphold social ethics and Islamic values.

5. Raise the awareness of the young generation on the true Islamic principles and

its moderate interpretation to save them from xenophobia and extremism in the

name of Islam and clan.

6. Promote the establishment of various training programs and skill development in

order to create job opportunities for youth and incorporate them in the work force

at various levels of the state and non-state institutions.





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7. Work on caring, rehabilitating and incorporating vulnerable or at-risk youth groups

- such as disables, child laborers, child soldiers, orphans, youth caught in

extremist ideologies and so on - into the mainstream.

ENERGY

Somalia is rich in energy resources having abundant reserves of untapped reserves

of numerous natural resources such oil and natural gas, uranium, iron ore, tin,

gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt and natural gas. Moreover, being located at the

equator, Somalia has abundant sunshine and wind which can produce renewableenergy. Furthermore, its two rivers, Jubba and Shebelle, can produce energy from

hydropower plants. With the collapse of the state, the national electricity grid was

destroyed and electricity is now generated by local companies who use small

generators, which makes electricity very expensive.

The basic Party program on energy is as follows:

1. Reduce consumption of energy generated from fossil fuels and promote energy

from alternative renewable sources such as solar, wind, bio-fuel, geothermal,

liquid biomass and hydropower which are abundant but unexploited sources of

energy in Somalia.

2. Reduce local demand for wood and charcoal production to minimize its

environmental impact and ban its export.

3. Provide the necessary support for developing know-how and technologies for the

renewable energy and incentives for the industries of this field.4. Carefully scrutinize the exploration of oil and gas so as to comply with

international standards and to avoid exploitation and inequitable contacts with

foreign companies.

5. Restore the national electricity grid to normalcy and reconstruct its infrastructure

in accordance with the international standards and security requirements.

6. Establish international and regional energy cooperation and set international

conventions on energy signed by Somalia with foreign companies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_ore

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauxite

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauxite

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_ore

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium





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ENVIRONMENT

Environmental degradation is a major causal factor in enhancing and perpetuating

poverty, particularly among the rural poor, when such degradation impacts soilfertility, quantity and quality of water, air quality, forests, wildlife and fisheries.

Environmental issues are cross-cutting, though overall policy support, guidance and

regulation of last resort are needed. All the different sectors need to recognize and

integrate the importance of the environmental goods and services in their mandates,

incorporate appropriate accountable indicators, and establish the necessary

regulatory framework for the environment. The Somali Provisional Constitution

stipulates that "Every person has the right to an environment that is not harmful to

their health and well-being, and to be protected from pollution and harmful

materials". (25:1). Moreover, "Every person has the right to have a share of the

natural resources of the country, whilst being protected from excessive and

damaging exploitation of these natural resources". (25:2) The Principles of the Party

on environment in the Provisional Charter states "The Party believes the importance

of socio-economic development where every citizen is granted access to basic social

services and job opportunities while national heritage and environment are duly

protected".

The basic Party program on the environment is as follows:

1. Stopping current degradation of the environment through active engagement of

public/private institutions and communities in their geographical locations.

2. Restoring, maintaining and enhancing the ecosystems and ecological processes

essential for the functioning of the biosphere to preserve biological diversity.

3. Creating greater awareness across all sectors and agencies about the

importance of the environment and its linkage to development and encouraging

individual and community participation in environmental improvement efforts.

4. Promoting the sound protection and management of the environment and natural

resources, balancing the needs for social and economic development and

environmental integrity.





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5. Cooperating with other countries, international organizations/agencies and

establishing effective prevention or abatement of trans-boundary environmental

pollution.

TELECOMMUNICATION

The availability of reliable and affordable telecommunication system is a key

ingredient for promoting rapid socio-economic and political development of any

nation. To effectively play that role, telecommunication services should be efficient,

affordable, reliable and available to all. After the collapse of the state in 1991,

private Somali telecommunications emerged and created Somali Telecommunication

Association in 1998 to fill the vacuum of the state as self-regulatory institution.

However, with the institution of the national state, cooperation between the

government and private sector are critical to the development of the

telecommunications sector. Thus, Public/Private partnership and synergy to create a

modern, sophisticated, efficient and productive telecommunications sector is the

Party’s main objective.

The Party’s basic program on telecommunications is as follows:

1. Regulate telecommunication businesses in collaboration and full participation of

the local operating companies in order to bring all telecommunication operators

under one regulatory body that safeguards their interest and the interest of the

public.

2. Ensure inter-connectivity and tariff regulation to be agreed and established

between various telecommunication networks and pertinent state institutions for

the interest of the public and profit-making companies.

3. Promote widespread access to advanced communications technologies and

services, in particular the Internet and related capabilities for the wide benefit of

economic development, social integration and enhancing delivery of education

and health services.





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4. Encourage through various incentives higher education, technical expertise,

continuous education and training of dynamic and innovative human resource for

the telecommunications enterprises to keep up with rapid technological changes.

5. Establish international co-operation in telecommunication for setting up standards

in the operation of telecommunication systems and to take advantage of the

experiences of other nations in telecommunications development.

6. Explore international investment for the development of telecommunication sector

in partnership with the local telecommunication businesses which protects local

investor ’s interest and national security imperatives.

7. Ensure public/private partnership and cooperation which is necessary to the

development of the telecommunications sector in order to create a modern,

sophisticated, efficient, affordable and productive telecommunications sector.

MASS MEDIA

Since the collapse of the state in 1991, hundreds of Somali media outlets have been

created inside Somalia and in the Diaspora. These media outlets were not regulated

until 2007 when the Somali Media Law was formulated. This Law defines Media as

"the system through which information; knowledge, speeches, data and ideas could

be disseminated to the society while utilizing visual, auditory and printed devices,

such as newspapers, radios, televisions, press agencies, websites, speeches, films,

hand drawings, books and any other printed material exhibited openly to the public".

According to the Media law, "the overall objectives of the Media includes

safeguarding and promoting the Islamic religion, justice, culture, democracy,

solidarity and unity of the Somali state and the nation; promoting the publicawareness and education and disseminating right information and ideology".

The Party’s basic program on Media is as follows:

1. Create a media culture that upholds national identity, promote national unity and

harmony of the communities, and prevent dissemination of hate and prejudices

through professional media practitioners and organizations.





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2. Ensure freedom of media and the right to access information enshrined in the

Provisional Constitution while preventing the use of media for the purpose of

harming national security and citizens by spreading false information.

3. Ensure national and social responsibility and accountability by enacting Code of

Ethics for Mass Media with the collaboration of all media institutions and media

personnel and introducing it into the public domain.

4. Establish independent National Media Council, a consultative body representing

the collective interest of all fields of private Media outlets which plays the role of a

forum for networking and cooperation.

5. Formulate legal and Code of Ethics for the fields of advertising and publicity

necessary to establish quality of producing programs and authenticity of the

commercials refraining from encouraging publication of advertisements that are

contrary to the Islamic ethics.

6. Advance the development of qualified human resource in the media sector in

collaboration with higher education institutions and training centers promoting

and developing Somali language in the field of mass media.

7. Encourage strengthening relations between local media outlets and international

media for the purpose of exchange of information, expertise and training.

TRANSPORTATION AND ROADS

Transport is vital in fostering economic growth and human development, in terms of

access to markets and basic services. The nation’s transport system and

infrastructure was extremely devastated and inadequate to meet the basic

accessibility needs. For instance, roads which are the principal mode of internal

transport are in shamble and public safety regulations almost inexistent. Somalia

needs to recover from its war-torn situation and to reconstruct and develop its

economy in a sustainable environment and an inclusive society. Good transport

facilities are central to economic and social development and building community

cohesion and national unity.

On the other hand, the strategic location of Somalia that links Asia, Europe and

Africa gives it big opportunity to develop competitive Marine and Air-transport





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systems while regional business linkage with its neighbors is an advantage to vibrant

land transport. However, Somalia never developed national transportation policy

guidelines which offer a framework for integrated transportation systems and

networks. In the post-transition period, the vision should be different. The Party

believes that an effective transport policy is needed to meet the nation’s transport

requirements, whilst respecting safety and environmental concerns. Following are

basic Party Program on Transportation:

1. Formulate regulations that guarantee safety and efficiency of the national

transportation systems while accessibility and affordability are assured.

Transportation system also should be environmentally –friendly while contributing

in achieving key economic and social objectives.

2. Establish public/private and local/international partnership in the reconstruction,

development, maintenance and administration of the Transportation systems,

networks and facilities.

3. Prioritize developing marine transportation system and coastal roads networks as

a priority in order to facilitate development of marine resources and establishment

of free-zones.

4. Attract international capital investment and cooperation in establishing

competitive transportation infrastructure such as railways, seaports, airports and

highways.

5. Advance development of qualified human resource in the transportation sector in

collaboration with technical colleges, higher education institutions and training

centers.

6. Advance international cooperation and linkages in the field of transportation for

the purpose of exchanging expertise and establishing business partnerships.

SOMALI DIASPORA

It’s estimated that more than 20% (about 2 million people) of Somalia’s population

live outside the country. A large number of Somalis abroad live in Europe, North

America, the Middle East and neighboring Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia,

Djibouti, Uganda and Tanzania. According to the World Bank, the Somali Diaspora




UNITY PEACE PROSPERITY

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communities around the world sends as remittances more than 1 billion US Dollars

per year and it is believed that a good percentage of that amount goes to Somalia. It

is also a fact that a lot of these wealth goes to the private sector mainly in the shape

of creation/stimulation of small businesses, purchase of properties and so on. It is

therefore very vital for the NUP to be aware of the importance of the contributions

made by the Diaspora communities in sustaining our nation in the last 20 years. The

objective of the Party on Diaspora in the Provisional Charter is "To foster Somalia

Diaspora and establish appropriate institutions capable in responding to their needs.

Reciprocally, the Party solicits participation of the Diaspora in the political, social,

economic and cultural development of the country".

Therefore the Party gives its priority to the following program on Diaspora:

1. Creating a Ministerial position for Diaspora Affairs which connects Somalis in the

Diaspora with their home country, safeguards their interest and strengthens the

relationship and cooperation with their respected hosting countries.

2. Establishing Embassies and Consular services and Commercial attaches in the

major world cities where our Diaspora is concentrated.

3. Registering members of the Diaspora at the Somalia Embassies in order to

enable them to participate in the home elections.

4. Providing special incentives for economic projects shared by members of Somali

Diaspora and foreign companies registered in their second country.

5. Providing incentives to the families of Diaspora willing to return by providing

social amenities such as international schools, quality health services, and

attractive resettlement and integration programs.

basic program of the national unity party nup-somalia1

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