Kenya implores UN to mitigate Somalia crisis
By Mark Oloo (Nairobi) – Kenya has challenged the UN and the international community to seek a sustainable solution to conflict in Somalia.
Kenya's Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula.
Referring to threats of terrorism and instability in the Horn of Africa country, Kenya yesterday said the international community holds the key to peace in Mogadishu.
Speaking in Nairobi, Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula said Somalia’s UN-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was faced with critical security challenges and required urgent external support.
Mr Wetangula said the conflict in Somalia was a critical challenge to peace in Eastern Africa and the region economy.
He said the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) would ceaselessly seek dialogue between the TFG and groups behind unrest in the Somalia.
The minister made the call after he met UN special representative for Somalia Augustine Mahiga in his office in Nairobi.
The war-torn country has been without a legitimate administration since 1990. With threats from militia groups, including the Al Shabab, Mogadishu has never know peace for two decades running.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Somali president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh in Nairobi early this year and pledge America’s commitment to pursue peace in the Horn of Africa nation.
Photo: Kenya’s foreign Minister Moses Wetangula briefs journalists in Nairobi.
