Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)
Capt Paddy Ankunda
30 July 2007
column
Mogadishu — It is becoming increasingly clear that not all hope is lost for the troubled horn of Africa nation. The resilience that those delegates have shown despite attempted attacks on the congress is a clear testimony of their determination to salvage their country. Although the detractors have equally demonstrated their determination to disrupt it, the lovers of peace seem to be taking the day.
The Chairman of the National Governance and Reconciliation Congress, H.E Ex President Ali Mahdi Mohamed started it all with a rather moving speech.....we cannot forget the destruction of life and property inherited from the Somali civil war in the last seventeen years. We cannot forget the loss of dignity in being refugees which affected every Somali family.... Somalia has one language, one religion and one culture...what then is the problem? Today we have to reach a conclusion that a solution to our conflict can only be achieved through dialogue and reconciliation.
The new realisation that Somalis must unite and forget their differences is a turn of events that seems to be driving these talks. This is the first reconciliation conference to be held inside the country out of over a dozen other initiatives that have failed before.
More importantly however is the new approach the organising committee has decided to take. Mr Ali Mahdi, the chairman of the committee has invited leaders of the Islamic Courts Union for the second time to come and participate in the congress. 'We as the reconciliation committee have invited the opposition groups including leaders of the Islamic Courts to the peace talks and we are ready to meet them anywhere they choose.... because we need to convince them to be part of the solution".
For this attitude, we salute the reconciliation committee and urge the opposing forces to take up the offer. They may have differences with government and even the Agenda of the congress but the best way to oppose it is to participate in the first place.
For the opposition to argue that the Agenda does not address the political questions is misleading. The agenda has such issues as power sharing and constitution making. These are political issues that will address the political question.
In his opening speech to the Congress, President Abudullahi Yusuf cited the TFG mandate which among other issues is supposed to establish a Somali federal state based on the will of the people, prepare a national constitution for Somalia, hold a referendum to seek public approval for the constitution, conduct a census, introduce multi party democracy and conduct a free and fair election in the transition to democracy and good governance.
There is no place for use of force or violence in Somalia any more... Somalis must give farewell to that era of overpowering and outgunning each other. We must build institutions and deliver services to the population.... the President reiterated.
The Agenda of the congress
The agenda being discussed in this conference equally gives light on the seriousness that the Somali people have attached to this initiative. Issues like, national unity, return/ repossession of property, nature and impact of radical Islam, disarmament, sharing national resources and power as was agreed in the Transitional Federal Charter, good governance and the introduction of multiparty democracy are such issues pertinent with nation building.
The Somalis are not alone in their struggle to regain freedom. President Museveni has already indicated his determination to support dialogue and reconciliation. While addressing the press on July 20, the president mentioned that the solution to the conflict lies in dialogue and nothing else. He emphasised that for this dialogue to produce solutions that will stand a test of time, it must include all the stakeholders.
The Deputy spokesman of the state department, Mr Tom Casey, released yet an encouraging statement on 20 July 2007. He reiterated the American support for the congress and pledged support to the initiative. He praised President Abudullahi Yusuf for expressing his willingness to share power with the opposition and urged all relevant stake holders to participate and help in the establishment of a road map that will lead to elections.
In the same vein, the League of Arab States has added its voice to support this dialogue. Saudi Arabia has already contributed 33m dollars to help in building transitional federal institutions. The larger international community is clearly in support of dialogue to solve the Somali conflict.
The visit of Mr Per Lingrade, the UN deputy special envoy for Somalia and the supportive tone that characterised his speech is an indication to this. What remains is for the International community to deploy peace keepers and the deal will be sealed.
The UPDF on its part will continue to secure the main entry points into Somalia ie the airport and sea port to allow free and secure entry of all those who wish to participate. We will also provide VIP escort as and when it is deemed necessary. With this, it is hoped that the Somali people will use this congress to put their house in order.
The Writer is Capt Paddy Ankunda, AU spokesman- Somalia
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