|
OVERVIEW
On July 21-22, 2002 members of the Somali business community met
in Djibouti to discuss their role in the rebuilding of Somalia.
On the agenda was the creation of a secure environment, the support
and participation of the private sector in the economic reconstruction
of the country and ways in which the business community could assist
a new Somali government. The Djibouti "High-level Dialogue",
which sprang from correspondence between Kenya's special envoy for
Somalia and WSP International, occurred within the framework of
the third and last phase of the Somali National Reconciliation Conference
(SNRC). In October 2002, SNRC was launched by the Intergovernmental
Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional body comprising Djibouti,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda.
The conference was the third forum for members of the Somali business
community to discuss their obligations and commitment to Somalia's
rehabilitation. The first such meeting was held in Dubai in April
2003 and cosponsored by the Dubai Somali Business Council and a
partnership of the affiliated Center for Research and Dialogue and
WSP International. The second meeting was cosponsored by the United
Nations Development Program for Somalia (UNDP) and CRD/WSP International
and held May 2003 at the Windsor Club in Nairobi. The two-day meeting
addressed the challenges facing the Somali business community in
the absence of a central government and the need to develop a strategy
for national reconstruction. Participants met representatives of
the international community and heard a statement by Ambassador
Kiplagat. Members of the Somali business community also addressed
the plenary of the SNRC at Mbagathi and pledged commitment and support.
Although independent of the SNRC, both conferences essentially sought
to harness the resources of the private sector to the goal of reconciliation.
Neither however successfully maintained momentum.
The Djibouti High-level Dialogue was sponsored by IGAD and the government
of Djibouti, and held at the Djibouti Sheraton. It coincided with
the SNRC's final and critical phase, that of forging agreement on
the formation of transitional institutions in a reconstituted Somalia.
The meeting was attended by 36 Somali business-men and -women representing
the major economic sectors and geographical regions of Somalia.
Also present, as befits a High-level Dialogue, were H.E. Ismail
Omar Guelleh, president of the republic of Djibouti; H.E. Ali Abdi
Farah, minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation
of the republic of Djibouti; H.E. Seyoum Mesfin, minister of foreign
affairs of the federal democratic republic of Ethiopia; H.E. Stephen
Kalonzo Musyoka, minister of environment and natural resources of
the republic of Kenya; Mr. Mirugi Kariuki, assistant minister of
foreign affairs of the republic of Kenya; and H.E. Ambassador Bethuel
Kiplagat, special envoy of the Kenyan government for Somalia. In
attendance also were: diplomats from the United States, Sudan, and
Eritrea; representatives of UNPOS, UNDP, EU Somalia and international
organizations accredited to Djibouti. Professor Ken Menkhaus of
Davidson University, who was touring the region, was also present.
The conference was covered by the following media organizations,
among others: BBC Somali Service; STN Television and Radio (Mogadishu);
Djibouti Television; Benadir Radio; and Radio Shabelle.
The meeting was funded by UNDP Somalia and the government of Djibouti,
which invited the participants and provided accommodation. CRD/WSP
International facilitated the process. EU Somalia also extended
background suppo
OBJECTIVES
OF THE MEETING
The objectives of the conference were:
a) to elicit support from and engage the Somali business community
in the proceedings of the SNRC, particularly the Mbagathi peace
talks, at which they have been poorly represented.
b) to demonstrate to the assembled business leaders that their involvement
and active contribution is essential to the process of rebuilding
Somalia.
In light of prevailing conditions in the country, it is widely believed
the business community can provide practical input by partnering
with the government to not only develop economic and business policy,
but also to provide input on such crucial matters as security, demobilization,
disarmament and re-integration of militias.
Organizers and facilitators of the High-level Dialogue envisioned
that the meeting should not be a one-time event, but part of a process
leading to the re-establishment of a viable state. At the same time,
the meeting constituted a first step in the development of an organized
and enlightened business community prepared for the global challenges
of the 21st century. As a long-term strategy to re-engage the business
community, it was hoped that a "Contact Group" of businessmen
would be formed to liaise and cooperate with the IGAD facilitation
committee, international community representatives, and the government
that will emerge out of the Mbgathi conference.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE MEETING
The meeting was divided into four segments:
 Presidential
and ministerial addresses: the President of Djibouti and other
speakers reaffirmed the commitment of their respective countries
and of IGAD to Somalia's reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
On day one, the foreign minister of the republic of Djibouti, H.E.
Ali Abdi Farah and the assistant foreign minister of the republic
of Kenya, H.E. Mirugi Kariuki, made persuasive statements to open
the proceedings. Both ministers reiterated calls for private-sector
representatives to support the peace process and to pledge their
sustained commitment. Speakers also reaffirmed the wish to see Somalia
enjoy a lasting peace, which was described as being in the best
interests also of neighboring countries. Also, Khalif Issa, a spokesperson
for the Somali business community addressed the conference, asserting
the need for a Somali government that will not only protect its
private sector, but also promote greater economic integration within
the region. Mr. Issa closed by emphasizing the commitment of Somalia's
business-men and -women to their country's future.
Briefing on
the status of the peace process and donor intentions toward the
new government: Participants were apprised of the status of
the talks at Mbagathi, and also heard testimonials of donor support
and post-reconstruction plans for a new Somali government. The EU
representative, Mr. Paul Simkin, provided a detailed presentation
of a draft rapid assistance program to be implemented by the international
donor community to support the new government. He went on to outline
the international community's priorities with respect to the rebuilding
of Somalia and a new Somali government.
The Working
Sessions: In keeping with its participatory approach, and to
encourage the commitment of the participants, CRD/WSP International
prepared a series of questions to be discussed and answered by three
groups formed from the participants. The three groups were randomly
selected and given time to discuss and formulate their responses
to ten questions, which addressed substantively, political, economic
and security issues. After hours of deliberation, the groups re-assembled
in the conference hall and each selected a spokesperson to present
their answers. The conclusions of the deliberations were compiled
and formed the basis of the joint statement
Commitment
to the future: The business community formalized its determination
to actively participate in the peace process by forming a "Contact
Group" to liaise and spearhead cooperation with the new transitional
authority and the international community. The Chairman of the Somali
business group, Mr. Sharif Ahmed declared that the Somali business
community fully supports the peace process at Mbagathi. Also, the
business community will provide some initial financial assistance
to the peace process, and it will work closely with the future Somali
government. Mr. Sharif Ahmed and the ministers present signed a
joint declaration formalizing the intentions of the business community,
with the president of the republic of Djibouti as a witness.
The joint statement of the Somali Business Community in the Djibouti
meeting codifies: the participants' cognizance of recent positive
developments at Mbagathi and the urgency and sensitivity of ongoing
dialogue there; participants' acknowledgement that security is a
multidimensional concern and that their involvement is vital with
respect to, among other issues, demilitarization, demobilization
and maintenance of a ceasefire. Further, participants: agreed to
support and comply with the UN Security council arms embargo on
Somalia (Resolution 792; 1992); resolved to form a Somali chamber
of commerce as soon as possible; stated their preference for a free-market
economy in a reconstituted Somalia and economic integration with
the region's economies; and sought regional and international assistance
to promote Somalia's economic recovery.
After the closing ceremony, the Somali business leaders had separate
afternoon sessions with Kenya's special envoy for Somalia, Ambassador
Bethuel Kiplagat, Kenya's assistant foreign affairs minister, Mr.
Mirugi Kariuki and Ethiopia's minister for foreign affairs, H.E.
Seyoum Mesfin. Discussions in these meetings were reportedly cordial
yet substantive and pertained to the past and the future of Somalia
and the region.
CONCLUSION
The conference was widely adjudged a success; both in terms of substantive
outcomes and the willingness of the business community to heed appeals
for participation as well as to air their own concerns. The participants
responded positively and with enthusiasm to the questions, evincing
a willingness to take on more responsibility during and after the
process of establishing a new government.
Participants
were also keen to voice their caution about the peace process and
its imminent outcome, as well as their fears concerning the surrender
of their own weapons and militias. The latter, they claimed, were
formed only in response to the threat posed to their safety and
their interests by warring clan leaders and freelance militias.
One of the businessmen at the conference stated emphatically "We
took weapons to defend ourselves and property from the armed faction
leaders who have been recalcitrant to every effort towards peace
for Somalia. Should we, the business community, surrender our weapons
to the very armed faction leaders, who may form together a government
for Somalia, when we are not sure of their true commitment?"
He concluded, "We have no problem to give the new government
the benefit of the doubt but until we see tangible signs that our
businesses and lives will not be jeopardized, we will remain reluctant
to surrender our weapons."
Noteworthy also, was the readiness of assembled businesspeople to
acknowledge the need for a government and the benefits that would
accrue to them following installation of a new administration. It
might be expected that some businesspeople, having profited in part
from the instability and chaos in Somalia, would be resistant to
the idea of oversight and taxation. However, there was virtual consensus
that the benefits of good government would outweigh the drawbacks.
Lastly, the businesspeople present expressed their desire for a
transitional national authority that would promote a free-market
economy and stronger regional economic integration.
The Contact Group, with Sharif Ahmed as chairman, has already begun
to work more closely with the international community and is readying
a delegation to visit Nairobi and support the Mbagathi peace conference.
To prepare for the arrival of the Contact Group, an advance team
has been dispatched to Nairobi.
SUMMARY
The Djibouti conference
for members of the Somali business community was held within the
framework of the IGAD-sponsored Somali National Reconciliation Conference
in Kenya.
The role of the business
community in the implementation of peace is critical not only because
of the financial and political resources it can offer a reconstituted
Somalia government, but also because its input will be vital on
such contentious issues as demobilization, disarmament and reintegration
of militias.
Central to the conference's
discussions was the need to achieve a balance between the business
community's national obligations and commitment on the one hand,
and the new government's willingness to respect and safeguard the
private sector's ability and right to generate revenue.
The president of Djibouti,
in his speech, emphasized the positive contributions of the business
community following state collapse in providing both services and
goods to the Somali community. He also alluded to the negative dimensions
and consequences of its activities during that time: "A Somali
businessman is governed by self-interest to the core without having
much knowledge of what that means."
Representatives of the
regional and international community repeatedly stressed the centrality
of the Somali business community to reconstruction and implementation
of peace on the ground. Speakers reiterated that the government
that emerges from Mbagathi must be recognized and supported. Members
of the IGAD Inter-Ministerial committee present expressed their
unified commitment to seeing Somalia set on its feet once again.
The detailed declaration
of involvement and support by the EU representative, the statement
by Babafemi Badejo of UNPOS and the presence of Abdisalam Omer Hadliye
of UNDP Somalia conveyed powerfully the international community's
resolve to assist a new administration.
Conference participants
expressed their willingness to take a role in the reconstruction
of their country and to contribute to the efforts of implementation
of peace on the ground in full cooperation with the new Somali government.
The representatives
of the business community also signaled their understanding that
the real challenges lie ahead: to achieve a workable national government
on the ground and to assure both the Somali people and the regional
community that Somalia is fully reintegrated financially and politically
into the world community.
There were frequent
allusions, in debate and speeches, to the scope and nature of the
Somali crisis. Moreover, the consequences of continuing statelessness
for the private sector and the wider Somali community, in terms
of freedom of movement and security were acknowledged. As the president
of Djibouti succinctly put it, "The gains generated from
the absence of formal taxation mean nothing in the long term."
AGENDA
DAY ONE
Wednesday
July 21
8:00
AM Arrival and Registration of Participants
9:00
Reading from the Qur’an
9:15
Introductory Speeches
·
Opening words from the Minister for foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation of Djibouti, His Excellency Ali Abdi Farah
·
Statement by the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kenya,
The Honorary Mirugi Kariuki
· Statement by Dr. Babafemi Badejo of the United Nations
Political Office for Somali
·
Statement by the President of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce
·
Statement by Khalif Isse Ali, spokesman for the Somali business
community
11:00
Resumption of conference
· Statement by Paul Simkin, EU Technical Advisor
· Statement by Abdulsalam Omer, UNDP Program Officer
Election
of a conference bureau
12:30
End of Morning Session
1:00
PM Lunch, courtesy of the President of the Djibouti Chamber
of Commerce
4:00
Resumption of Conference
Group Discussion
Selection of Business Committee
6:00
End of day one
7:00
Free Dinner (at the discretion of conference invitees)
DAY
TWO
Thursday
July 22:
Resumption
of Conference
8:30
AM Opening remarks by the minister for Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation of Djibouti, His Excellency Mr. Ali
Abdi Farah
Statement
by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic
of Ethiopia, His Excellency Mr. Seyoum Mesfin
Statement
by the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources of Kenya,
Kenya’s Leading Mediator to the IGAD Ministerial Facilitation
Committee, Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka
9:30 Speech by His Excellency Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh,
President of the
Republic of Djibouti
Report from the Chairman of the Conference, Mr. Sharif Ahmed
Adoption of the Joint Agreement
Closing
Ceremony
1:00 Lunch, hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation of Djibouti
Substantive
questions for the Somali business community
1)
Under what circumstances and via what mechanisms should
income-generating infrastructure (ports, airports) currently owned
by business groups be transferred to the control of a new government?
What are various alternative partnership arrangements between government
and the private sector for management of ports and airports? What
about assets that have been built since the collapse of government
and which, consequently, do not qualify as national infrastructure?
2)
What government business and tax policies, as well as other
regulatory policies, will best promote business interests and national
economic development? For instance, the re-establishment of Central
Bank, Treasury, Commercial Banks and Chamber of Commerce etc.
3)
What environmental policies should be priorities? For instance,
how can the production of charcoal for export be managed to halt
deforestation in the country?
4)
Under what conditions and to what extent is the business community
willing to contribute to the initial budget of a new government?
What if any conditions would the private sector insist upon?
5)
What steps can and should be taken to encourage re-establishment
of business activities within Somalia rather than in Dubai and the
Diaspora?
6)
What role can the business community play in the reconstruction
process? (in terms of rehabilitation of infrastructure, for instance.)
7)
What forums, structures or mechanisms will there be for ongoing
dialogue, partnership and consultation among a new government, the
international community and the business community?
8)
Which services should be returned to government control, which should
remain under private sector ownership, which should be managed by
private-public partnerships, and which should involve competitive
services offered by public, non-profit, and private sectors?
9)
What mechanisms will there be for government to ensure compliance
from businesses that committed crimes since 1991, or that are recalcitrant
in relinquishing public assets to the new administration. Examples
include sanctions, asset-freezing, and disqualification from government
or foreign contracts?
10)
How can the business community assist in the establishment
of a new government and the return of peace and stability in the
first six months?
Who will
control business community’s militias? Under what circumstances
will the business community
willing to hand over their heavy weapons?
Will the
business community share the payment for a new police?
What scope
is there for private/public cooperation in other non-business matters
such as demobilization,
disarmament?
Joint
Statement
IGAD-SPONSORED SOMALI
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION CONFERENCE
SOMALIA BUSINESS COMMUNITY
DJIBOUTI MEETING
21-22 JULY 2004
1.
Members of the Somali business community held a High-level
Dialogue in Djibouti July 21-22, 2004 within the context of the
IGAD-sponsored Somalia National Reconciliation Conference (SNCR).
The meeting was hosted, sponsored, and addressed by H.E. Ismail
Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti. The conference
was also attended by: the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation of Djibouti, H.E. Ali Abdi Farah; the Minister for Foreign
Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Seyoum
Mesfin; the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources and Kenya’s
leading Mediator to the IGAD Ministerial Facilitation Committee,
Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka; Kenya’s Special Envoy for Somalia, Amb.
Bethuel Kiplagat; and Dr. Babafemi Badejo of the United Nations
Political Office for Somalia.
2.
The Undersigned members of the Somali business community participated
in the Djibouti meeting.
3.
The Djibouti meeting was held as part of the third and final phase
of the SNRC, in implementation of the decision made by the IGAD
7th Ministerial meeting on Somalia, to discuss the role of the Somali
business community in the stabilization of Somalia during the transitional
period. In particular the participants agreed on the following:
·
To contribute to
the creation and protection of a secure environment;
· To create a
contact group for the Somali business community to facilitate relations
with the transitional institutions, IGAD countries, and the international
community. The contact group will commence dialogue with the SNRC
and international community in Nairobi as soon as possible.
· To support and
participate in economic reconstruction of the country.
4. The Participants
· Noted with
satisfaction the progress achieved at the SNRC and acknowledged
that the conference is at a critical stage of forging agreement
on the formation of transitional institutions;
· Further noted
the various phases of achieving control of the military situation
inside Somalia and agreed to positively engage and cooperate with
the Somali transitional institutions and with the international
community in the realization of the full continuum of establishing
a secure environment including: ceasefire, containment of heavy
weapons, demilitarization, demobilization and re-integration in
a step-by-step process that provide security guarantees to the business
community;
· Expressed commitment
to the Security Council Resolution 792 (1992) imposing an arms embargo
on Somalia;
· Highlighted
their imperative role in the political and economic reconstruction
of Somalia, and expressed their strong desire to fully employ all
of their capacities to consolidate a constructive cycle of economic
recovery. In this regard, the participants would like priority consideration
in the implementation of recovery programmes;
· Expressed a
desire for the transitional institutions to adopt policies supporting
a free-market economy and regional economic integration;
· Acknowledged
the need to establish a structured approach of engagement in all
matters concerning their role in the transitional period. In this
respect, the participants agreed to explore the possibility of opening
a Somalia Chamber of Commerce at the earliest opportunity, and requested
support for that objective;
· Expressed their
deepest concern about the long-term damage caused to the Somali
economy and ecology by the dumping of toxic waste, export of charcoal,
and export of female livestock;
· Requested specific
assistance from international community in support of economic recovery
in Somalia, including lifting of the livestock export ban, unfreezing
of the assets of thousands of Somali businesses and households in
Al Barakat, and on the United Nations Environmental Programme to
ensure a ban on the exportation of charcoal from Somalia.
5.
A more detailed report on the proceedings will be issued by the
31st July, to be distributed to all participants, and will be made
available on the CRD website: www.crdsomalia.org .
Done
in Djibouti on 22nd July 2004
Witnessed
by:
H.E.
Ali Abdi Farah, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
Djibouti
H.E.
Seyoum Mesfin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia
H.E.
Kalonzo Musyoka, Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources,
Kenya
H.E.
Mirugi Kariuki, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kenya
Amb.
Bethuel Kiplagat, Kenya’s Special Envoy for Somalia
High-Level
Dialogue with the Somali Business Community
PARTICIPANTS:
SHARIF AHMED MOHAMED
KHALIF ISSA ALI
SAID NUR QAILIYE
ABDULKADIR MOHAMED NUR (ENO)
MOHAMED ABDULLE MOHAMUD
AHMED DUALE GELLE
HASSAN MOALIM OMAR
ABDIRISAZ HASSAN JIMALE
ABDIRASHID SHIRE HUSEIN
MUHUMED AHMED NUR (FOODEY)
MOHAMUD OMAR ADEN
ABDIRAHMAN ROBLE
MOHAMED ABDALLAH MOHAMED
MAHDI DAHIR SHEIKH NUR
HASSAN HASHI MOHAMED
MOHAMUD OMAR ADUN
IMAN MOHAMED ALI
ABDULKADIR OSOBLE ALI
ABDIRASHID OSMAN HASSAN
MOHAMED ABDULAHI SHEIKH
MOHADEIN MOHAMED SHEIKH (ADAWE)
MOHAMED ADEN FARAH
AMIN OMAR ABUBAKAR
ABDIRIZAK HASSAN JIMALE
ABDIRASHID SHIRE HUSEIN
ZEINAB JAMA MUSSA
ASHA OSMAN UGAS
SIRAD HASSAN HUSEIN
SHAMSO ABDULLE BUTUGEY
ABDIRISAQ OSMAN HAGI
MOHAMUD OMAR ADEN
YUSUF ALI OSMAN
ABDIKARIN SHEIKH
SPEACHES
STATEMENT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH,
PRESID.ENT
OF THE REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI
22
July 2004
Excellencies,
Representatives of the Somali Business Community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It
gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Djibouti, this sisterly
country of yours. A country that is fervently committed to the promotion
of peace and stability in the region. A country inhabited by people
whose strong belief in the values of peace, tolerance and dialogue
has helped overcome many trials and tribulations. I hope that you
have enjoyed your stay and that Djibouti offered an inspiring environment
for you to deliberate on the crucial issues tabled before you for
discussions despite the severe heat that we are facing at this time
of the year.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are indeed heartened by the progress made in the current peace
process in Mbagathi, Kenya.
We
have strong indications that the long-drawn Somali National Reconciliation
Conference is irreversibly progressing towards its successful conclusion.
I would like to seize this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude
to His Excellency, Mr. MWAI KIBAKI, President of the Republic of
Kenya, the Government and the people of Kenya for hosting that conference
for the last two years.
I
would also like to express my appreciation to the leadership in
the region for the clarity of vision, the seriousness of purpose
and the strong political resolve they have demonstrated to assist
Somalis in their endeavour to establish a broad-based and all-inclusive
Government.
Instead,
I must commend the IGAD Ministers who are here with us today for
their continued engagement and their commitment to speedy conclusion
of the process.
The
decision to speak with one voice and to articulate a unified position
on the issue gave a strong signal to the Somali parties that the
onus lied on them to end a long-running nightmare. They seemed to
have got the message right and have since then taken positive actions
that have helped move the process forward
There
is however a strong need to sustain that commitment, to further
accommodate one another, to deepen the political dialogue towards
the formation of a successful and balanced transitional dispensation
that can extend the process of national reconciliation and security
throughout the country.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Somalia will soon arrive at a moment of hope. Let us all seize this
opportunity.
The
charge will be to help Somalia create a secure and enabling environment
for the emerging institutions to function and address the mammoth
task of consolidating peace, ensuring that there is no return to
conflict, rebuilding a country that is devastated by a protracted
and senseless conflict. Indeed, the real challenges of the transition
lay ahead and comprehensive disarmament is the most crucial among
them. The international community will be a vital partner in that
endeavour. Immense external resources to be made available to the
emerging institutions will be essential prerequisites for a successful
conclusion
It
is therefore of utmost importance for the. Somalis to take ownership
of the process, shape and define the priorities of the transitional
strategy, and support the outcome of the Nairobi Conference. In
this regard, the contribution of the business community is crucial.
Dear
Brothers and sisters,
You have achieved miracles in an extremely difficult and challenging
environment in the absence of a central authority. Yon have taken
the lead in the ~ fundamental changes that are taking place in Somalia.
Yon have laid the foundations for properly functioning institutions.
Remittance companies that some of you own and manage continue to
provide a critical lifeline to millions of Somalis inside the country
and abroad.
The
development of telecommunication and information technology remains
a source of wonder to many' external observers. The entrepreneurial
spirit you have demonstrated and the achievements made have certainly
triggered hope among Somalis. The most recent illustration of that
renewed confidence in the possibility of a better future for Somalia
is the reopening of the Coca-Cola Company a few weeks ago.
But
it must also say that the continued lack of governance structures,
of a regulatory framework and the absence of peace and stability
would jeopardize those positive gains. For the survivors to thrive,
peace and security and the creation of an enabling environment for
business to grow and attract direct foreign investment are indispensable.
Therefore,
you must pool your resources and all work together to support the
new Somali Government that we hope will soon be formed.
You
have a historic role to play and your support will be critical.
You may not quarrel with the thinking. You may actually react positively
to the idea.
But
we need to see signs of that happening in the early days after the
formation of a Government. You need to exert all our energies and
efforts to draw an action-plan that would translate your thinking
into concrete action if we are to expect the new dispensation to
be effective
I
believe our meeting today will be the most appropriate forum to
initiate discussions on a result-oriented strategy aimed at providing
a quick-response to the daunting challenges the emerging administration
will have to face.
The
region will strongly back your efforts and the international community
at various fora has already expressed its willingness to support.
God help us in our collective endeavour.
I
thank you!
ISMAIL
OMAR GUELLEH
Remarks By H.E. Seyoum Mesfin
Minister
of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia
22
July 2004
Honorable Colleague Ali Abdi Farah
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Int. Cooperation of the ROD.
Hon. Stephen Kalonzo
Musyoka,
Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of the ROK,
Distinguished Ministers
of the ROD
Excellencies, Honorables
and international organizations accredited to Djibouti
Distinguished members
of IPF.
His
Excellency President Ismail Omar Guelleh,
President of the Republic of Djibouti,
Excellencies,
Distinguished
Guests,
Dear Members of the Business Community of Somalia,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, let me express my pleasure at being here in Djibouti
for this important meeting of the business community of Somalia,
the IGAD Ministerial Facilitation Committee and the Representatives
of the IPF.
Mr.
President, we all know that Somalia is close to your heart. You
have made personal sacrifices to assist Somalia. The People and
Government of Djibouti have made tremendous sacrifices for Somalia.
Let
me express our deep appreciation fort the decision taken by the
government of Djibouti to host this meeting. You will also agree
with me that our meeting today is very significant given our expectation
of the crucial role that could be played by the business community
in the future reconstruction of Somalia, which cannot be achieved
without full participation.
Today
Somalia needs the vital contribution of all segments of its society
of which the business community is an important element. We have
no illusions that peace will be realized fully in Somalia without
active participation of the business community, whose role in bringing
about national reconciliation is decisive as it is in disarmament,
reconstruction and peace building.
q
Somalia today is the only nation in the world without a functioning
government
q Imagine a Somali child who was seven years old in 1991, is by
now in his twenties but leading a precarious life without going
to formal education.
q Imagine Somali children born since 1991 who are teenagers by now
and serving in youth militias as child soldiers. Somalia lost a
generation.
I
am extremely delighted to share with you our satisfaction at the
progress so far achieved in the peace process currently underway
in Mbagathi, Kenya. The National Reconciliation Conference is now
in its third and final phase and all the Somali clans are in the
process of distribution and selection of the 275 members of parliament.
We are hopeful that by the end of this month we will have the Transitional
Federal Parliament of Somali in Place.
While
much has been done in Mbagathi already, it is nonetheless obvious
that what remains to be done is even more daunting. The challenge
you face is building the Somali State from the ashes after fourteen
years of anguish and national humiliation. This exercise is not
going to be easy and no breakthrough can be achieved in this regard
without the full commitment of all Somali actors including enthusiastic
involvement of the Somali business community in the peace process.
At
no time has Somalia needed the services of its business community
more than it does now. First of all for peace for national reconciliation.
And then for rebuilding Somalia’s state institutions and for
reviving, with the support of the international community, Somalia’s
economy, without which there can be neither peace nor durable national
reconciliation.
q Somalia’s leaders (Political or Business) have failed in
their people and nation.
q The region and the international community have also failed Somalia.
This
must be turned around. It is recognized of this fact that we all
have come together to assist Somalia.
Excellency
President Ismail Omar Guelleh,
Dear Friends,
No matter how much the road ahead might not be all that smooth;
there is ample reason for greater optimism in Somalia than any time
in the last close to fourteen years.
First
of all, the countries of the sub-region are ready to stand behind
the people of Somali in unison. What we have started doing over
the last few months has made it all too apparent that the people
of Somalia can count fully on the Facilitation committee to discharge
its responsibilities. This is a tremendous achievement for the regional
states. It is with great pleasure now that I am reaffirming to you
we in the sub-region are united in all our efforts to help Somalia
regain its rightful place in the community of nations. No doubt,
the unity of purpose displayed by the member states of IGAD since
last May has been instrumental in achieving positive progress in
the National Reconciliation Conference.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is also clear that the international community has begun to show
greater determination than before to make a difference for peace
in Somali. We continue to get assurances from our partners, with
whom we have begun to work very closely, that Somalia can count
on the support of the international community to ensure that the
government that will be established would be viable and that it
would not face complications because of lack of resources which
will be critical particularly during the initial period after its
establishment.
Excellencies,
Let me reiterate how important this meeting is, for which we are
extremely grateful to H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh. It is
my earnest hope that this will be a successful event. Before concluding,
I would like to reaffirm Ethiopia’s commitment to do whatever
is necessary, along with the countries of the sub-region, for peace
in Somalia and for national reconciliation. I would like also to
express my sincere appreciation and many thanks to UNDP for joining
hands with IGAD in facilitating this important forum, the High-level
Dialogue with the Somali business community.
I
thank you!
Getting it Right this Time By Babafemi A. Badejo, PhD
Senior Political Adviser, UNPOS
21
July 2004
Honorable Ali Abdi Farah
Assistant Minister Mirugi Kariuki
Honorable Ambassadors here present
The UN Resident Coordinator for Djibouti
Respected Business-men and -women
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Fourth Estate
Distinguished Guests,
It is a great pleasure for me to be back in Djibouti after a long
absence from a city that is like a second home. The opportunity
to be here arose out of a clash in the programme of Ambassador Winston
Tubman, the Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia.
He had to undertake an urgent diplomatic mission on Somalia that
arose after he had concluded all arrangements to be here. He sends
his felicitations through me to His Excellency, President Ismail
Omar Guelleh for his untiring belief and effort on the need for
the revitalization of the Somali State. President Guelleh’s
zeal has seen the convening of the High-level Dialogue with Somali
Business Community. Ambassador Tubman also sends his deep regards
to the participants at this meeting and especially the Somali business-men
and -women who left the task of making money to attend to the crucial
task of seeing Somalia back on its feet.
Monsieur
Le Ministre
The importance of the role of business in a peace process was recently
emphasized at the July 14 informal consultations of the Security
Council on Somalia. Many Ambassadors representing sovereign countries
took note of the opening of a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Mogadishu.
They were excited and welcomed this development. It was not because
they thought that this gift of the United States to the world was
crucial for the existence of the simple Somali nomad as he searched
for pasture for his camels. They were happy because they saw this
development as a signal that peace was returning to Somalia. One
of them asserted that capital was a weakling and runs fast from
insecure situations. They saw the return of Coke as an indication
that peace was about to break and security was returning to Mogadishu
and Somalia. Another Ambassador noted that a similar development
took place as peace returned to Liberia. Such an appreciation of
the role of business at the highest political level is an indication
of the importance of business for the peace process in Somalia.
Monsieur Le Ministre
Permit me to note that many, in disparaging comments about the many
efforts to bring peace to Somalia, postulate that the Mbagathi peace
process will be no different from earlier examples. I personally
felt this way until the 5th IGAD Ministerial Conference espoused
a decision of all the Ministers concerned about peace in Somalia,
to work on the basis of genuine uniformity of approach. Events on
the ground have, so far, supported this decision of the Ministers.
Their zeal has also seen four Ministerial meetings on Somalia between
May and now. The ultimate meeting to launch the new Somali Parliament
is expected in a little over a week from today.
It
must be accepted that the world environment in the post 9/11 period
is different. Circumstances that could allow opportunities for the
flourishing of terrorism are of concern to the general international
community. A state in coma like that of Somalia is of concern. Such
concern led the Security Council to show a desire to implement the
arms embargo on Somalia. After two reports from experts and a visit
to the region by the Sanctions Committee on the Somali Arms Embargo,
a Monitoring Group was established pursuant to resolution 1519 (2003)
of 16 December 2003. With this Monitoring Group, it is expected
that it will not be business as usual with respect to the importation
of weapons into Somalia.
Winston
Tubman, in collaboration with many international observers and especially
the European Commission, the African Union, the League of Arab States,
the United States and a number of European countries has been working
strenuously with Kenya and IGAD in making sure we get it right this
time.
The
commitment of the United Nations and the belief that this should
be the last peace meeting in a foreign land on Somalia was demonstrated
by the visit of Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General to Mbagathi
on July 8, 2004. The sense of his speech to delegates on that occasion
was that we must get it right this time and bring succor to many
Somalis who live under harrowing situations.
Monsieur
Le Ministre
The Somali business community has an interest in peace in Somalia.
Many would suggest that the Somali business community is used to
the short-term gains that are associated with the comatose state
of their country.
However,
I would like to suggest otherwise. To start with, simple things
like each unto himself or herself with respect to security is an
expensive way for business to thrive. Waste of human lives represents
destruction of consumers and in many instances, family members.
Associated with this are higher costs that Somali business-men and
-women must carry in operating in a situation in which the world
does not have an accepted counterpart with respect to governmental
backing to a Central Bank. As you know, such a clearing house is
essential for commercial transactions with other countries when
it comes to needs like Letters of Credit. The discrimination arising
from the lack of an acceptable passport in much of the world is
a social cost. I do not want to belabor the point that there are
social costs to living in the Diaspora as a result of fear of security
for immediate family members after goods in transit in Somalia have
been heavily fortified by technicals.
Important,
however, is the fact that Somalia has a lot of potential with respect
to the construction and rehabilitation of developmental infrastructures
all over a vast land. While I will admit that some make some gains
from chaos, such gains are not equal to the lives of several clan
and family members who are threatened by insecurity that results
from stray bullets, kidnapping for ransom, etc.
Monsieur
Le Ministre
Somali business-men and -women, in trying to protect their goods
in transit have also maintained militias. The business community
has, at times, engaged in fire-fights that shed the blood of militias
and innocent people. No moral or religious precept sanctions the
making of money this way. In effect, the Somali business community
has a stake in peace for Somalia, even if for moral or religious
reasons among other reasons.
A
federal state as is being negotiated in Mbagathi cannot but follow
the pressures at the international level to be business-friendly.
This suggests that there is enough latitude for dialogue between
those in business and those who will be in charge of the apparatus
of state power. Such a dialogue should start from now. The presence
of designated representatives of the business community could still
make a lot of difference in the selection of those to represent
Somalia during the five years of transition. I would like to humbly
suggest that the most recent statement by the president of the Security
Council (S/PRST/2004/24) applies to the Somali business community.
In a paragraph, it was stated:
The Security Council reiterates that the Somali parties themselves
bear the main responsibility of achieving a comprehensive ceasefire
throughout Somalia. The Council calls on the Somali parties to fully
implement the ceasefire, to ensure security, and to resolve their
differences through peaceful means.
Monsieur
Le Ministre
This does not mean that the Somalis will have to do it all alone.
IGAD as a whole and the government of President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya
remain steadfastly devoted to the goal of seeing Somalia back on
its feet. The Secretary-General of the United Nations used the occasion
of his visit to Mbagathi to re-assure Somalis of the commitment
of the United Nations to assist. He also called on the international
community to help further. But even before his call, a core group
was working on behalf of the international community to put in place
a fast track Rapid Assistance Programme for the first six to twelve
months of a government out of Mbagathi. The second track will see
a pledging conference following a needs assessment. Italy has just
made an additional contribution of $2,239,200 to an earlier $536,150
to the UN Trust Fund for Peace-Building in Somalia. Other contributors
to this fund were: Ireland, $34,668.65; and Norway, $836,533.39.
If
Somalis get it right, including the support of the Somali business
community, more can be expected from the international community
in addressing the different aspects of putting Somalia back on its
feet.
Monsieur
Le Ministre
Let me once again use this opportunity to thank President Guelleh
for conceiving this initiative and commend the support of UNDP Somalia.
I thank you, Monsieur Le Ministre, for your kind indulgence.
Remarks By Sharif Ahmed
Chairman of the Somali business community
22
July 2004
Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyadda
Jabuuti, Mudane Ismaaciil Cumar Geelle,
Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda
iyo Iskaa-shiga caalamiga, Mudane Cali Cabdi Faarax,
Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda
ee Dawladda Itoobiya, Mudane Siyum Mesfin,
Wasiirka Degaanka iyo
Khayraadka Dabiiciga ah, Mudane Kalonzo Musyoka,
Wasiirka ku-xigeenka
Arrimaha Dibadda isla markaasna ah ku qaybsanaha Arrimaha Afrika,
Mudane Mirugi Kariuki;
Ra’iisul-wasaa
… waad salaaman tihiin.
Anigoo ku hadlaya magaca ganacsatada Soomaaliyeed, waxaan u mahad-celinayaa
Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyadda Jabuuti, Mudane Ismaaciil Cumar Geelle,
Dawladda iyo shacabka reer Jabuuti – sida sharafta leh ee
ay noogu soo dhaweeyeen waddankeennii 2aad. Sidoo kale, waxaan mahad
ballaaran u soo jeedineynaa dawladda Kiinya, oo dul-qaad dheer iyo
dadaal, ka muujisay arrimaha dib-u-heshiissinta Soomaaliyeed. Dadaalka
dawladda Kiinya, waxaa laga milicsan karaa xubnaha sar-sare ee metelaya
dawladda Kiinya, ee yimid dalka Jabuuti, si ay u dhiirri-geliyaan,
in ganac-satada Soomaaliyeed door shariif ah ka qaadato arrimaha
nabad raadinta Soomaaliya.
Waxaan
sidaa si la’eg, u mahad-celineynaa dawladda Itoobiya, oo in
muddo ahba ku hawlaneed arrimaha dib-u-heshiisiinta Soomaaliya.
Waxaa mahaddaas oo kale mudan dhammaan hay’adaha IGAD, IGAD
Partner Forum, UN, EC, Jaamicadda Carabta iyo African Union.
Soomaaliya,
oo aaney ka jirin dawlad dammaanad qaadda ganacsiga, ayeey ganacsatada
Soomaaliyeed, si aad ah ugu dadaaleen, in ay horumariyaan ganacsiga
Soomaaliya, iyagoo ku dhex shaqeynaya xaalad aad u adag, in ka badan
muddo 14 sano ah. Xaaladdaas waxay xaddiday horumarinta iyo ballaarinta
dhaqaalaha iyo ganacsiga Soomaaliya. Caqabadaha ugu adag waxay ka
soo wajeheen arrimaha la xiriira nabad-gelyo xumada.
Waxaan
shaki ku jirin, in aan la horumarin karin dhaqaalaha iyo ganacsiga
dalka Soomaaliya, haddii shacbiga Soomaaliyeed uusan helin dawlad
metesha. Dadaal badan, oo ay beesha caalamku ku dadaashay, in Soomaaliya
ay ku naallooto nabad iyo horumar, ayaa waxaa si hagar la’aan
ah loogu dadaalay in dib-u-heshiisiin laga dhex dhaliyo kooxaha
isku haysta ka-arriminta Soomaaliya. Dadaalkaasi wuxuu soo socday
in muddo ah.
Dadaallada
la xiriira dib-u-heshiisiinta Soomaaliya, waxaan amminsanahay in
dawladda Jabuuti ay si aad ah ugu dadaashay wax ka qabashada xasaradda
ka oogan Soomaaliya. Shirkii ka horreeyay kan maanta ka socda Mbagathi,
Kiinya – ee lagu qabtay Carta (Dalka Jabuuti), wuxuu ahaa
mid taariikhi ah, oo ay shacbiga Soomaaliyeed ku muujiyeen baahida
ay u qabaan in geyiga Soomaaliyeed noqdo mid xasilloon. Dadaalladii
loo galay dib-u-heshiisiinta Soomaaliya, kii Carta wuxuu ahaa mid
aad u qiimo badan. Dadaalkaas ay sameysay dawladda Jabuuti ma aha
mid uu shacbiga Soomaaliyeed illaawi doono; waxaanna madaxweynaha
Jabuuti hortiisa ka caddeyneynaa in ay Soomaaliya u hayso (dalka
iyo shacabka reer Jabuuti) mahad weyn oo kal iyo lab ah.
Sidoo
kale, iyadoo ka dhii-dhineysa dhibaatada la soo deristay Soomaaliya,
ayeey dawladda Kiinya iyo shacabkeeduba u is-taageen, in ay u hiiliyaan
shacabka Soomaaliyeed. Dawladda Kiinya waxay u dul-qaadatay, iyadoon
ka daalin, in ay gacanta ku hayso shirka dib-u-heshiisiinta Soomaalida,
in ka badan 18 bilood. Waxay kaloo dawladda Kiinya u dul-qaadatay
caqabado badan, oo soo wajahay socodka shirka nabadda Soomaalida.
Shirka nabadda ee Mbagathi (dalka Kiinya), wuxuu hadda marayaa gabo-gabo;
shacabka Soomaaliyeed na wuxuu durba dareemayaa neecowda dawladnimo
ee Soomaaliya.
Waxaa
sidaas si la’eg, aan mahad ballaaran u jeedineynaa dawladda
iyo shacabka Itoobiya, sida ay ugu guntatay wax-ka-qabashada arrimaha
Soomaaliya, tan iyo markuu sannadku ahaa 1993dii. Waxay taariikhdu
xusi doontaa dadaalka nabadeed ee shacbiga aan walaalaha nahay uu
u muujiyay shacabka Soomaalida.
Annaga
oo ah ganacsatada Soomaaliyeed, waxaan diyaar u nahay in aan la
shaqeyno dawlad ka dhalata dalka Kiinya, oo ay Soomaalidu leedahay.
Waxaan hortiinna ka caddeyneynaa in aan dawladdaas u huri doonno
hantideenna, xooggeena iyo garashadeenna. Waxaan ka kaalmeyn doonna,
in la xaqiijiyo, in Soomaaliya nabad lagu soo celiyo; in Soomaaliya
ay si rasmi ah uga mid noqoto beesha caalamka.
Ganacsatada
Soomaaliyeed, waxay ballaan qaadayaan in ay fuliyaan mas’uuliyadda
ka saaran dalkooda: haddii ay ahaan lahayd dib-u-dhiska kaabayaasha
dhaqaale, horumarinta waxbarashada, isgaarsiinta, gaadiidka iyo
dhammaan hawlaha kale ee dib-u-dhiska.
Dareenka
ganacsatada Soomaaliyeed wuxuu, mar walba ahaa, mid ku wajahan ka
qayb gelidda iyo taageeridda barnaamijyada dib u heshiisiinta. Bishii
April iyo Novembar, sannadkii 2003da, waxaan isugu nimid shirar
aan uga hadleynay sidii aan kaalmo uga geysan lahayn nabad raadinta
Soomaaliya. Waxaan la kulannay ergada shirka nabadda Soomaalida
ee ku sugan tuulada Mbagathi ee dalka Kiinya. Waxaan hortooda ka
ballan qaadnay in, haddii ay isu tanusalaan, kuna heshiiyaan dhismo
dawlada qaran, aan ka kaalmeyn doonno xag walba.
Annaga
oo tixraaceyna dadaalladaas aan hore u sameynay, waxaan 2dii maalmood,
ee aan ku sugneyn dalka aan walaalaha nahay ee Jabuuti, ka doodnay
sidii, aan haddana mar kale, uga qayb qaadan lahayn nabad raadinta
Soomaaliya. Go’aanka aan gaarnay waxaan ku soo saarnay BAAQ
hortiinna la keeni doono.
BAAQAAS
waxaa ka mid ah, in aan magacawnay guddi heer sare ah, oo si joogto
ah uga qayb qaadan doona shirka nabad raadinta Soomaaliya, si aan
shacabka Soomaaliyeed iyo beesha caalamkaba ugu muujinno sida aan
diyaarka ugu nahay wax-ka-qabashada arrimaha Soomaaliya. Guddigaasi
wuxuu si rasmi ah ula shaqeyn doonaa beesha caalamka, dawlada Soomaaliyeed
oo dhalata iyo shacabka Soomaaliyeed dhammaantood.
Baahida
dhaqaale ee ka jirta shirka nabad-raadinta hadda ka socda dalka
Kiinya awgeed, waxay ganacsatada Soomaaliyeed ku tabba-rucaysaa
dhaqaale aan u soo marin doonno Guddiga Ganacsatada Soomaalida ee
maanta magacownay. Guddigaani wuxuu dhawaan tegi doonaa dalka Kiinya,
si aan ugu wareejinno deeqdaas aan bixineyno, iyo sidii aan uga
qayb qaadan lahayn shirka nabadda Soomaaliya.
Waxaan beesha caalamka uga mahad-celineynaa dadaalka hagar la’aaneed
ee ay u muujiyeen shacabka Soomaalida. Waxaan kaloo ka mahad-celineynaa
ballan qaad yada ay beesha caalamku muujisay marka Soomaalioya ay
hesho dawlad loo dhan yahay, oo xaqiijisa nabadgelya dalka.
Annagana
waxaan ballan qaadaynaa in aan la shaqeyn doonno dawladda Soomaaliyeed
ee cusub iyo beesha caalamka iyo dawladaha aan deriska nahay.
Conference
photographs:
|
