afrol News, 16 July - UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has today hailed progress made by Somali parties in advancing peace deal signed in the neighbouring Djibouti last month.

Mr Ould-Abdallah who led 10 days of talks in Djibouti which resulted to Djibouti accord applauded the progress made in ending the conflict.

“The progress made so far has been encouraging. A month ago, Somali leaders from different backgrounds made a courageous step forward to restoring the dignity of their wounded country,” he said in a UN statement.

He said the period since the signing has allowed Somalis to prepare for new challenges ahead and to give all those still uncomfortable with the idea of a re-born Somalia, time to adjust.

Under agreement, Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia agreed to end their conflict and called on the UN to deploy an international stabilization force to the troubled Horn of Africa country, which has not had a functioning government since 1991.

Mr Ould-Abdallah said Somalia’s peace accord has gained both local and international support saying the European Union, Norway and United States have already mobilised significant resources for carrying out the peace deal.

He has however condemned the killings of innocent Somalis, including head of UN Development Programme office in Mogadishu and numerous aid convoy drivers employed by UN’s World Food Programme.

“After 18 years of armed confrontation that has evolved from a political struggle to a conflict between and among tribes, there is now hope that we will see the dawning of a new era,” he stated.

Widespread violence in Somalia has hindered aid efforts, in the country which is facing humanitarian crisis caused by conflict, drought, and price rises in basic commodities. Some 2.6 million Somalis – representing 35 per cent of the population – are believed to be in need of humanitarian aid.

A joint Somali delegation would undertake a mission to the Security Council and meet the United States and other African countries while trying to resolve their conflict.

The talks in Djibouti were the latest attempt to negotiate an end to the anarchy in Somalia. It is estimated that the conflict has created more than 1 million refugees in and outside Somalia.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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