Somalia: security, political transition challenges

Commissioner Michel and Prime Minister Ali Gedi discuss the challenges to security and political transition in Somalia

The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, held talks with Prime Minister Ali Gedi of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. This exchange focused on the recent developments in the Somali peace process in the wake of the attempted assassination to the Prime Minister on 6 November.

Commissioner Michel stressed that “wait and see is not an option for Somalia” and that stability in this country is a “test case for the new EU Strategy for Africa”. He reaffirmed the European Union’s unwavering support to the Transitional Federal Institutions and the reestablishment of governance in Somalia. He also expressed support for the Prime Minister’s initiative in fostering dialogue within the Institutions.

Louis Michel announced that more than €10 million have been earmarked for the purpose of assisting the Somali Government to provide a secure environment and that the Commission could provide further € 49 million to support Somalia’s Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), in parallel to progress in stabilization and entry into force of representative and working institutions. The Commissioner called on all Somali leaders to follow the example of the EU and put their differences aside for the common interest of the Somali institutions and citizens.

The Commissioner condemned the assassination attempt on the Prime Minister on November 6th in Mogadishu and conveyed his condolences to the families of the six people who were killed in this attack. He also stated that he shall shortly appoint a Special Envoy for Somalia and that the Commission would open a field office in Jowhar.

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