Friday, August 30, 2013
A decision to establish the terms of governance in three southern
Somalia areas is a step toward ensuring peace in the country, a U.N.
special envoy said.
The federal Somali government signed the terms of an agreement in
Ethiopia with southern political leaders to set the terms of government
for Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo in the south of the country.
Nicholas Kay, U.N. special envoy to Somalia, said the decision was a step in the right direction for the federal republic.
"This is a significant step towards restoring peace in Somalia,
building a strong Federal Somalia and contributing to regional and
international security," he said in a statement Wednesday. "This
agreement unlocks the door to a better future for Somalia."
Somalia last year established its first formal central government
since 1991. The country has struggled to consolidate gains because of
separatist campaigns and terrorist activity tied to al-Qaida affiliate
al-Shabaab.
Doctors Without Borders announced it was ending its mission in Somalia because of attacks against healthcare workers.
Kay said gains made in Somalia are "reversible" if the international community takes its focus off the country.