Thursday July 06, 2006 (HOL): A delegation consisting of representatives from the AU, EU, IGAD, the Arab League held talks in Mogadishu with members from the UICs and civil society. The delegation came from city of Baidoa where they arrived yesterday and where they held talks with members from the interim federal government. The delegation arrived Mogadishu via Isilay airport which used to be controlled by Bashir Rageh Shirar who is a founding member of the defeated anti-terrorism coalition.
During the meeting with members of the UICs and civil society, the delegation received a memo outlining a number of points of agreement between the UICs and civil society. Among the points in the memo are: that the problems in Somalia be resolved through negotiations; that there should not be foreign troops sent to Somalia; and that Ethopian government be pressured to withdraw its troops from Somalia. In addition, the memo stated that the UICs and its supports have no links with terrorists and that the recent changes in Somalia came as a result of grassroots revolt (against the warlords) and not due to external support received by the UICs.
The memo which was jointly submitted by the UICs and members of the civil society also criticized the international community for neglecting Mogadishu. The memo also called regrettable the decision by the interim federal government to call for foreign troops deployment in Somalia.
Mohamed Abdi Affey who is the Kenyan ambassador for Somalia spoke (in Somali) on behalf of the delegation saying that they came to Mogadishu to congratulate the UICs and to exchange ideas with them. Mr. Affey added that Mogadishu under the control of the UICs looks to have changed a lot. Furthermore, Mr. Affey affirmed say that they would like to see that both the interim federal government and the UICs create an atmosphere that would allow the restoration of peace and order throughout Somalia. Ambassador Affey added that the problems of Somalia cannot be resolved militarily adding “it is in the interest of Somalis to understand the importance of nationhood and that the problems of Somalia can only be resolved if a functioning government is established”
This was the biggest delegation to visit Mogadishu since the UICs took control of the city from the warlords. The visit was described as a fact finding mission. The Ethiopian ambassador for Somalia Abdilaziz Ahmed who is Ethiopia’s point person for Somalia was with the delegation when the visited Baidoa but did not come with them to Mogadishu. The delegation is expected to visit the cities of Kismayo and Galka’yo at a later date.
Original reporting by: Salaad Iidow Xasan (Xiis)
Translation by: Mohamed Amin
Source: HOL, July 6, 2006
