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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
1069 WEST BROAD STREET # 762
FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046
Tel: (703) 635-3655
Email: [email protected]
http://www.somalidiaspora.org
Washington, DC, February 27, 2009 – The early days of 2009 witnessed the end of an ineffective and unpopular government in Somalia. Across regions and political affiliations, Somalis also welcomed the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Mogadishu after a brutal 2-year occupation. Furthermore, on January 31, 2009, Somali parliamentarians voted overwhelmingly to elect Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as the new president of Somalia. Sheikh Ahmed, who enjoys the respect and admiration of most Somalis, picked Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke to be the country’s new prime minister. These positive developments bring a new chance for lasting peace and stability in the country.
The Somali Diaspora Network (SDN) welcomes the newly formed unity government headed by Sheikh Ahmed and Mr. Sharmarke. SDN also welcomes the long awaited departure of the Ethiopian forces from Mogadishu and most areas. Now begins the difficult work for Sheikh Ahmed as he embarks on his new role. To succeed, Sheikh Ahmed must unite Somalis divided along clan lines and reach out to his adversaries by promoting dialog and genuine reconciliation. Sheikh Ahmed and Mr. Sharmarke must also quickly assemble and put to work a transparent and accountable government that provides security to all Somalis and humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis facing millions in the country continues to get worse. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned on February 24, 2009 that nearly “two decades of continuous conflict combined with a devastating drought … is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.” Pascal Mauchle, head of the ICRC Somalia delegation, said in a statement that those displaced from their homes “are exhausted,” and that “many cannot even find a tree to protect them from the blazing sun. They sit in the open, without shelter, and struggle every day to survive in the harsh conditions.”
In addition to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, a political and military confrontation looms with groups that have rejected the new unity government. Several incidents including attacks on the new president and on African Union (AU) peacekeeping troops from Burundi have already taken place. In response to these attacks, government and AU troops have engaged the armed groups resulting in large civilian casualties. The positive political developments of recent weeks are in jeopardy of being derailed by these attacks and the potential of descending into further instability is now greater than ever.
SDN condemns the use of violence to further political aims. SDN also condemns attacks on civilians, members of the newly formed government and the AU peacekeepers. Having alienated themselves to the world community, the armed groups now risk doing the same with a war-weary population. The opportunity still exists, however, to join the newly formed unity government in good faith through constructive dialog.
Finally, SDN reminds all Somalis that the responsibility of raising their country from the ashes lies on their shoulders. This must include renouncing violence and choosing dialog and genuine reconciliation. SDN also urges neighboring countries in particular and the international community in general to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. To that end, Ethiopia must completely withdraw all its forces from Somalia and refrain from any negative meddling in Somalia’s affairs. The international community must also work jointly with the new government to rebuild the Somali state. Now is not the time to renege on prior commitments made to the Somali people. It is time to fulfill those obligations and help bring lasting peace to the country.
ABOUT SOMALI DIASPORA NETWORK (SDN) – SDN is a grass-roots organization committed to advocate on critical policy matters pertaining to Somali-American interest and issues of concern through communication and information sharing, raising public awareness, and educating the public and government officials.