Preamble:

The Somali Canadian Diaspora Alliance (SCDA) is organizing a conference on October 4th and 5th, to bring together Somali and non-Somali scholars and experts to discuss the state of affairs in Somalia. Although topics of discussion will vary in accordance with the expertise of individual presenters, all presentations will be interactive and reflect the overall theme of the conference, Finding Solutions.

Issue Backgrounder:

The Ethiopian invasion, and subsequent occupation, of Somalia beginning in December 2006, worsened what was already a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Within months of the beginning of the occupation, the humanitarian disaster in Somalia was widely regarded as the worst in the world today. More than a million people have been internally displaced (IDP) more than thirty thousand injured and approximately twelve thousand killed in the span of a few short months.  

A peace accord signed by the Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia and the Transitional Federal government in Djibouti on May 8, 2008 is on the verge of collapsing before its implementation began. In this conference, we will examine the nature of the conflict, and present short and long term solutions with an explicit intent on presenting potential catalysts to the success of the Djibouti Accord. Furthermore, we intend to invite experts who will speak about the humanitarian crises in the country as well as human rights violations committed by the Ethiopian occupying army and the Transitional Federal Government.        

Organizational Background;

The Somali Canadian Diaspora Alliance is an independent group of like-minded Somali-Canadians comprised of intellectuals, professionals, educators, women and youth, who are committed to striving for a free and sovereign Somalia. SCDA is a member organization of Somali Cause, which is an umbrella organization for eight North American organizations.  SCDA members work on an altruistic basis and expect no personal gain from the realization of our vision. SCDA is a group that works towards the advancement of the national cause of all Somali citizenry and speaks out against tribal and regional oppression. The SCDA also works to advance individual and collective human rights and works with all other organizations and groups with a similar vision

SCDA strives and works towards democracy, social justice by advocating a society that is united and free from institutionalized tribalism.

 Conference Objectives/Goals:  

·       To address the humanitarian crises in Somalia and develop a viable option for the delivery and access of aid to the (IDPs) throughout the country

·       To build a common vision that can contribute positively to the political landscape of Somalia, by exploring ways that would create an environment conducive to the success of the Djibouti peace process

·       To build stronger network between Diaspora organizations in North America and Europe in order to use their expertise and know-how for resolving the intricate crises in Somalia and emphasize the vital role of women and youth in that process

·       To initiate a dialogue on the possibility of establishing a Somali studies initiative at the University of Toronto and to engage Somali students and educators in the greater Toronto area in that process.

·         To examine the American policy towards Somalia as well as the war on terror and its impact on the stability of the Horn of Africa.