Ban urges Somali gov’t, int’l partners to 'stay the course'

Addis Ababa (WIC) - While the Somali Government continues to face a number of challenges, it has made some encouraging progress in the political and security fields and deserves the continued support of its international partners, UN News Center Reported Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as saying.

In a new report to the Security Council, Ban cites a number of areas where the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has made headway, including fostering reconciliation between itself and opposition groups, drafting the constitution and building a national security apparatus.   "I urge the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to stay the course, and I appeal to the international community to redouble its support and rally solidly behind the Government," he writes.  

Ban notes that further progress to promote the peace process requires greater capacity on the part of the TFG to consolidate its authority, deliver administration and basic services, and effectively manage the transition. "The sustained support of the international community will constitute a key contribution to this end," he says.  

The Secretary-General states that the UN stands firmly by the African Union and its peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as AMISOM, and pledges to continue its support of the force's deployment and operations.   He says stabilizing the security situation in the capital, Mogadishu, remains a critical prerequisite to foster the peace process, as demonstrated by the 17 September suicide attack on AMISOM's headquarters in which more than 20 members of the force were killed.

The UN will not be deterred by violent attacks by insurgents and will remain committed to continuing support to AMISOM, the TFG and the Somali people to facilitate reconciliation and consolidate the political process, Ban states, while calling again on the international community to boost support to the AU Mission and Government security forces.

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