afrol News, 27 October - Senior United Nations (UN) envoy to Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has welcomed pact between country's interim government and Islamist rebel group on a ceasefire to end clashes, establish unity government and military forces as well as pulling out of Ethiopian army.

Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Opposition Alliance for Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) today signed two treaties in neighbouring Djibouti after three days of negotiations spearheaded by UN and international community.

Mr Ould-Abdallah, commended both factions (TFG and ARS) for their cooperation and work that led to agreements.

"Somalis will be very pleased by important progress made in Djibouti and positive steps taken here. It is a sign of commitment of parties to pushing forward with Djibouti Agreement [an accord reached in June]," Mr Ould-Abdallah said, in a press release issued by UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS).

Leaders of two delegations to joint security committee, set up under Djibouti Agreement, reportedly agreed that a ceasefire would become effective in Horn of Africa nation on 5 November.

Fighting and massive humanitarian suffering for past two decades have beleaguered Somalia, but violence has resumed this year, particularly in and around capital, Mogadishu, and caused widespread displacement. Country has not had a functioning national government since 1991.

UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) last week reported that more than 35,000 residents of Mogadishu had to flee their homes in past month, bringing total number of internally displaced persons to at least 1 million.

A persistent drought across region has also aggravated situation for displaced persons, according to reports.

Today's agreement also entails relocation of Ethiopian armies, which have been supporting TFG.

Islamic Courts' Union chief negotiator also told media today that once Ethiopian troops were withdrawn, fighting in Somali would come to an end.

"If that agreement is achieved there will be no reason for fighting," Abdirahman Abdi Shakur, chief negotiator for Alliance for Reliberation of Somalia said.

This involves African Union peace force known as AMISOM, with joint assistance of TFG and ARS forces, until a UN peacekeeping force can be deployed.

But critics point out that not all factions fighting in Somalia have signed up to agreement, and previous ceasefire agreements have suffered serious setbacks.

Some within opposition are said to have already rejected deal, saying it would have no effect on ground.

Somali deputy prime minister Ahmed Abdisalam Aden and ARS chairman Sheikh Sharif Ahmed signed a separate joint declaration that welcomes leadership of UN and assistance of international community in early establishment of a unity government.

Declaration stipulates that government would be open to all Somali nationals and would also involve an inclusive parliament.

"Some very important principles have now been established. The challenge is to ensure that concrete action is taken to show the Somali people how this will benefit them," Mr Ould-Abdallah said.

Meanwhile, reports say heavy fighting has continued in Somalia between government forces and anti-government fighters, despite signing today.

More then 10,000 people have reportedly been killed and one million displaced in fighting since early last year alone.

Government troops recaptured three towns of Bardale, Wajid and Hudur in southern Somalia near Baidoa, seat of Somalia's parliament over weekend.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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