AU Special Representative applauds Somali Government on landmark achievements

PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)


Monday June 15th, 2009: The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Nicolas Bwakira has applauded the Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and his Transitional Federal Government (TFG) for making significant progress towards peace and stability in less than six months in office

Nicolas Bwakira says within a short period, the TFG has managed to form an all inclusive cabinet which has attracted members beyond clan and political affiliations. The Somali Government has managed and continues to make progress in bringing on board various opposition groups with the exception of just a few pockets of anti-peace elements who do not wish to give peace a chance in their country.

The A.U Special Representative notes with satisfaction that the government has made progress in establishing authority in the capital Mogadishu. The government now controls the majority of the 16 districts in Mogadishu. This is a remarkable progress indeed considering the short period the government has been in power.

The AU Special Representative for Somalia commends President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s government for intensifying the establishment and training of the National Security Forces which will help further improve the security situation in Mogadishu and establish the rule of law.

He observes that the current trend of achievements by the Somali Government in less than six months in office clearly indicates that the TFG is gaining strength and massive popular support every day. This development brings hope to all Somalis both within and abroad that sustainable peace and stability is no longer a dream but a reality.

The AU Special Representative calls on all peace loving Somalis to rally behind their government which has shown commitment to ending years of fighting and anarchy in their country.

Bwakira assures the people and government of Somalia that the African Union through AMISOM will double its efforts to compliment the achievements that the TFG is making and calls upon the anti-peace elements to join the peace process so that their fellow countrymen can enjoy stability.