Int’l Partners Welcome Somalia’s Proposed Platform to Combat Terrorism

MOGADISHU, Xinhua: International partners have welcomed Somalia’s proposal to establish a platform for political and community leaders, ensuring their views and efforts are integrated into the fight against terrorism.

Representatives from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, United Nations, and other diplomats from Western countries also welcomed the establishment of a democratic and federal system of government in Somalia.

“We welcome the reported positive responses from leading Somali political figures to this initiative,” the foreign diplomats said in a joint statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The statement came after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the nation in late March that he would soon convene the national unity forum, bringing together politicians, community leaders, and stakeholders to jointly fight against extremism.

The foreign diplomats said a unified and inclusive strategy is indispensable to achieving success against al-Shabab and advancing Somalia’s state-building priorities.

“We urge the government, federal member state leaders and political and societal stakeholders to meet expeditiously to ensure a unified, effective response to the ongoing al-Shabab offensive as an urgent national security priority,” the diplomats said.

They said quick, decisive action by Somali leaders, including on critical national political, constitutional, and electoral matters, would enable further support by partners.