Will London Talks on Somalia Bring Peace, Unity?
African and Western leaders have held an historic meeting in London to discuss the future of Somalia. Some say the meeting happened only because desperate young Somalis carrying small arms in little boats - described by the West as pirates - are disrupting the developed world's trade.
But whatever triggered the high-level talks, do they have the capacity to help Somalis end their longstanding differences, restore a central government and bring peace?
AllAfrica content partners offer a range of views and analysis. We also include the text of the meeting's communique and some full texts of the contributions of those who took part.
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Somalia: Solutions to Problems Lie in the Country
Business Daily, 23 February 2012
Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain has convened a big international meeting on Somalia. Read more »
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Somalia: Somalis Hopeful of London Meeting Despite Media Scepticism
IPS, 23 February 2012
With an international meeting aimed at resolving the political crisis in Somalia set to take place Thursday, the local media in this East African nation is awash with scepticism,… Read more »
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Somalia: Europe, Asia Plunder Fishing Grounds, Says Report
IPS, 21 February 2012
The international community has failed to grapple with the real underlying political and economic issues facing the troubled East African nation of Somalia, which has been… Read more »
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Somalia: Meeting 'Failed to Acknowledge Seafarers'
SaveOurSeafarers, 24 February 2012
The London Somali conference failed to mention the plight of seafarers and sidelined the issue of piracy, according to a spokesperson from SaveOurSeafers, the global campaign aimed… Read more »
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Somalia: Violence in Society Is Brought About By Failure of Institutions
Nation, 24 February 2012
This week, heads of State and international dignitaries gathered in London to chart a new course for Somalia, the world's most extreme example of a failed state. Read more »
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Somalia: London Conference Fails to Address Human Rights
AI London, 23 February 2012
The London Conference on Somalia has not adequately tackled the dire human rights situation in the country which is threatening the lives of civilians including children, Amnesty… Read more »
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Africa: Piracy Is As Likely to Be Solved in London
African Arguments, 22 February 2012
This week, leaders including David Cameron, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will meet at a conference in London to attempt a step-change… Read more »
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Somalia: Reporters Without Borders Hail London Conference and Its Goals
Shabelle, 22 February 2012
Reporters Without Borders, an international organization that defends freedom of information, would firstly like to hail the initiative to hold this conference and its goals. We… Read more »
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Somalia: International Crisis Group Policy Briefing
Crisis Group, 22 February 2012
If the international community can agree on but a few core policies, there is the best chance in years to foster peace in Somalia. Read more »
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Somalia: Oxfam Calls for an End to Conflicting International Policies On Country
Oxfam, 22 February 2012
Oxfam calls on governments meeting at the London Somalia Conference tomorrow to develop a coherent strategy towards the country that shifts away from the emphasis on short term… Read more »
Blog Entries
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London's Somalia Conference: A Turning Point?
Blog: Enough blogs, Thu 23 Feb, 10:14 pm 2012
Somalia women walking Mog LHeaton.jpg Just six months remain before the Somali Transitional Federal Government's time is ... read more »
InFocus
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All eyes will be on the London Conference as those attending attempt to chart the way forward to bring peace and stability to war-torn Somalia. Read more »
