Norway to host International Contact Group for Somalia meeting on 30 April

Norway will host a meeting of the International Contact Group for Somalia (ICG) on 30 April. This is at a time when violence in Somalia is flaring up and drought is exacerbating the already difficult humanitarian situation in the country.

“I am deeply concerned about the latest wave of violence in Mogadishu and the suffering this is causing the civilian population, who are already badly hit,” said Raymond Johansen, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The humanitarian situation is precarious and the lack of rain is worsening the situation further. At the same time there is a glint of hope in the fact that both the transitional government and the leaders of the opposition have now agreed to take part in direct talks. It is vital that the political dialogue is translated into better conditions for the population – with regard to both security and the general humanitarian situation,” said Mr Johansen.

The ICG will discuss the political process, the security situation and the humanitarian conditions in the country, which have been shaped by 17 years of chaos and civil war. Norway has chaired the ICG together with the US since the Group was established in 2006. The chairmanship will be passed on to the UN at the Oslo meeting. However, Norway will continue its committed efforts for Somalia, as a member of the ICG and in other ways.

“We will play a leading role in supporting the UN’s efforts in Somalia,” said Mr Johansen. “The situation in  the country is extremely serious, and it is important that the international community is united in its support for the UN.

Norway will give more than NOK 250 million to Somalia in 2008, three-quarters of which will be in the form of humanitarian assistance. In order to increase awareness of the humanitarian crisis, Norway will lead a meeting with key humanitarian actors the day before the ICG meeting.