UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / 18 June 2008 -- An encouraging step was taken last week as the Somali government signed an accord that is to put an end to the violence and insecurity that has plagued the country for more than fifteen years, since the end of its last functioning regime in 1991.

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia both promised to halt “all acts of armed confrontation” within 30 days and not to renew their fighting for 90 days, with the potential to be extended thereafter. They will also allow aid agencies are able to reach the millions driven from their homes or otherwise negatively impacted by the violence.

They have also asked for a UN force to be sent to Somali to prevent further violence and help the country regain its security. The agreement followed ten days of negotiations in Djibouti .

The Secretary-General has told the international community that he “commends the leadership of both parties for taking this important step towards a durable political settlement for Somalia , and hopes that other Somali groups and individuals will soon adhere to this agreement.” He also asked for “strong diplomatic and financial support for the effective implementation of this agreement.”

On Monday in Nairobi the Secretary-General’s Representative for Somali, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, who had played a central role in the discussion that led to the agreement, talked with representatives of many different countries about the way forward in putting into place the terms of the accord and how best to aid Somalis efforts.

Attendees included Somalia ’s Prime Minister, the heads of the leadership of the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, and envoys of the African Union and European Union, the United States , Norway and the League of Arab States.

A join security committee will be created and a UN-lead high-level group will be set up as well, lest problems with the implementation of the agreement arise in the future. Also discussed was the funding needed to apply the terms of the accord. The Security Council will need to put into motion the formation of a UN force to arrive in Somalia within four months.

At present, millions remain in need of international aid and hundreds of thousands fled from violence over the last few months. Assistance from the UN and its partners remains crucial and the agreement to let access to them remain unfettered is an important part of the ceasefire.

The Secretary-General’s Representative said, “I am overwhelmed by this new, widespread demonstration of goodwill, generosity and support for the Agreement and for Somalia as a whole” and added that,  “Today what is at stake is not only peace and stability in Somalia but the credibility of the international community in the country and in the region.”  

Labels: United Nations, U.N.

 

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