AU Special Representative re-emphasizes need for TFG’s strengthened ability in coordinating reconciliation process for Somalia.
ROME, Italy, April 25, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra has appealed to the International Community to assist the Transitional Federal Government and the local administrations to recognize each other’s role as stipulated in the Transitional Federal Charter.
Speaking today during the policy-oriented round table on Somalia in Rome, Italy, Ambassador Diarra said this would also strengthen the Government’s ability to co-ordinate the reconciliation process at the local level.
“International support is pivotal; there is a need for long-term commitment from the international community to ensure that the outcomes of the peace process are implemented and the Somali institutions are fully supported to efficiently execute their mandate.” Ambassador Diarra said.
The AU Special Representative noted that there is no quick fix solution to all the problems facing Somalia, but said resolving the issues related to the end of the transition and the post-transition arrangements would be the starting point.
Ambassador Diarra told the one day Round Table on Somalia organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the International Community must also consider establishing mechanism for implementing sanctions and other punitive measures against spoilers of the peace process.
“Somalia is the only country in the world where people instigate wars, commit crimes against humanity and are not bothered. The sooner the message is sent to the people of Somalia that sanctions are available and ready for use, I believe the attitudes will change and the chance for positive political settlement will increase,” the AMISOM Head of mission emphasized.
He commended the Italian Government for its support to AMISOM, through the Africa Peace Facility, noting that this assistance has significantly contributed to implementation of the mission’s mandate.
The Round Table was introduced by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Somali Ambassador to Italy. The forum discusses policy-making options on the stabilization process in Somali and the role of the International Community. Participants included Italian policy makers, senior officials of international organizations, representatives of the Somali Diaspora, and analysts from major European and international think tanks.
SOURCE
African Union Commission (AUC)
