Statement at International Contact Group on Somalia

We meet at a critical point, more than half way into the lifespan of the Transitional Federal Institutions, and the Somali people are grappling with the 16th peace process in 16 years.

We meet at a time when Ethiopian military presence inside Somalia outnumber the forces of TFG and AMISOM put together. Deadly attacks by Anti Government Elements against all these forces are the order of the day.

We meet at a time were serious questions are raised inside and outside Somalia, and rightly so, about the ongoing reconciliation efforts.

We meet at a time where thousands of Somalis have fled their homes due to violence and instability; in a time where the living conditions of the Somali civilians have deteriorated dramatically.

These are the realities that we have to face as we gather to discuss how to assist the Somali people in their efforts to come to terms with each other, and to create a stable and secure environment for the Somali woman, man and child.

No matter what our assessment of the current situation is, it seems obvious that unless a considerable leap of faith is taken both by the conflicting parties inside Somalia and by the international donor community – anarchy, chaos and human suffering will prevail in Somalia.

All parties that use force in Mogadishu, must respect international humanitarian law and make sure not to harm civilians.

We must remember, however, that the most important contribution to humanitarian relief is by far the establishment of stability. We urge all parties on Mogadishu to do their utmost to reach a cessation of hostilities. We are looking forward to hearing from the TFG foreign minister what plans they have to achieve this.

We must remember that Anti Government Elements may be defeated time and time again in conventional military terms. But they will never cease fighting for their interests through violent means – unless the political power and interests they represent are integrated into a true political reconciliation process.

The TFIs suffer from a chronic lack of capacity and, it seems, a lack of willingness to take concrete measures to enhance their legitimacy. However, they remain the only available, internationally recognized, institutional framework for governance in Somalia.

We expect the TFG to take further measures to include all relevant groups. We also expect both women and men to take part in this process. This would enhance its legitimacy and contribute effectively to the national reconciliation process. We also expect the Transitional Federal Parliament to adopt a resolution that clearly endorses the independence of the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee.

The National Governance and Reconciliation Committee and their plans for the reconciliation congress has, for good reasons, faced criticism. The Committee must be independent, the process must be inclusive, and all the important issues, including the political, must be discussed at the congress.

The Somalis themselves must take the responsibility for the future of Somalia.

But the international community should and must assist the Somali people. We must be prepared to continue working with the transitional institutions and the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee.  We must make a leap of faith. We, as wealthy, peaceful donor countries, should be prepared to take that risk.

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