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The following is a statement from United States Congressman Donald Payne (Democrat-New Jersey), the Chair of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, on his historic visit to Mogadishu, Somalia:
Despite reports of mortar attacks at the airport during my stay in Mogadishu, my experience there was positive and left me with a sense of hope that progress is possible.
I had productive meetings with the president, prime minister, members of the cabinet, civil society members, the local press, women’s groups, African Union peacekeeping force, and others during my day-long visit.
I feel very strongly that despite the increased piracy that is occurring off the coast, this two month-old government is making significant progress. It is pivotal that we focus on the important progress the people of Somalia have made over the past several months.
The increase in piracy is a symptom of the decades of instability and the absence of a functioning government in Somalia. We can help bring an end to piracy, to any remaining violence, and to the suffering of the Somali people by investing relatively few resources in Somalia. If the U.S. and the world community take supportive action towards the fledgling government in Somalia, I am confident that they will succeed and a new Somalia will indeed emerge.
Source: US Congress
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