Djibouti peace conference must decide "old or new" delegates

The Somali peace conference held in Djibouti is coming to the end of its consultative phase, after composition of the predominantly-clan delegations was slowed down by disagreement, diplomatic sources told IRIN. Debate focused particularly on numbers regarding sub-clans, women and minorities. A committee of elders and representatives from the Djibouti government mediated in a process that is "inevitably taking longer than
expected", said the source. The final composition is likely to be four groups of 160 representatives, with smaller groups representing minorities. Women will be part of the clan delegations as well as a separate delegation. The choice of representation includes individuals from the Somali diaspora and from Somalia, who need to be brought to Djibouti for the start of the conference.

There are "hundreds of former politicians" at the conference, the source told IRIN - "it will be interesting to see which delegates are chosen; old or new". The heavily represented Hawiye clan of some 400 people is particularly challenged by having to slim down to 160 participants. The three major Hawiye faction leaders - Hussein Aideed, Musa Sude and Mohamed
Kanyare - are not in Djibouti and have made anti-conference statements in Somalia. According to the diplomatic source "the question of faction leaders is still under discussion". There is still tension between Puntland leader Abdullhai Yusuf and the delegation of northeastern elders, for example.

The conference was initially billed as one defined by Somalia's civil society, but has relied heavily on clan representation - opening the door to possible participation by the old-style faction leaders and former politicians.

But the atmosphere of Arta, Djibouti, is "an atmosphere of discussion" rather than conflict, said the source, with faction leaders and elders remaining engaged in the process despite some disagreements. The lengthy discussions in the initial pre-conference stage has put a financial burden on the host government, and the UN has requested assistance from member
states to support the conference. Meanwhile donations of camels, goats, mangos and foodstuffs have been given by local businessmen, and visiting representatives from China and Saudi Arabia.