Somalia has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in violence in the last few weeks with the Union of Islamic Courts taking control in some sections. The situation in that country is to say the least becoming terrible. Garowe Online’s East Africa correspondent, Kenneth Oduor, talked to UN Special Envoy to Somalia, Ahmedou Ould–Abdallah about the situation in Somalia.  

Below is an excerpt of the interview.  

What is your take on the situation in Somalia?

The situation in Somalia is bad. I must reiterate that the kind of situation that we are witnessing in the Horn of Africa country of Somalia is appalling. I think it is high time the world said enough is enough for Somalia and help the country return to a prosperous nation. It would be wrong to say that the world has not done enough. We have international organizations and NGOs working in Somalia but we should ask ourselves why the situation is deteriorating every single day.   

 

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, UN Special Envoy to Somalia

What is the role of the international community in Somalia?   

It is important to realize that Somalis understand their problems better than anybody. I want to call upon the international community not to interfere in Somalia. Their role must only be facilitative but it is incumbent upon the warring factions in that country to sit down and talk among themselves. I am happy because there is a gesture both from the interim government and the opposition meaning some little progress has been made towards this end. While it is true that mistakes have been made in Somalia, I don't think this is an excuse for the international community to interfere. Let us give these people time to talk and solve their issues and problems. It is disheartening that every time you organize anything about Somalia, everybody wants to be involved. All are asking "How will they do it without us?" This is not acceptable.

Comment on the role of the United Nations in Somalia.

The United Nations is very concerned about what is going on Somalia. That the UN has appointed a Special Envoy for that country is clear evidence that the UN family is concerned. The UN has the task to marshal the international community to help Somalia get back to normalcy. We have been trying and have managed to facilitate the reconciliation process in Somalia. I appreciate the work that others have done in trying to help Somalia. But I want to reiterate that while international help is welcome for Somalia, the policy should and must be that of non- interference in the affairs of the country. We want to deal with a few people committed but when you bring everybody on board; then it is counter productive because not everybody wants peace in Somalia.   

What can you to say about the reconciliation process?   

I must point out and call for patience that reconciliation will take time. Somalia has been at war for 18 years and when people start asking that the reconciliation should be sped up, they are not being realistic. We have to approach the reconciliation efforts with a lot of caution. You can't achieve peace in 24 hours in a country where people have been fighting for the past 18 years.   

Are you concerned about the presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia?

Everybody is asking me about this but it is unfortunate that they are not asking why these forces are there in the first place. The Ethiopian troops went to Somalia to route out the Islamic Courts Union. But it is important to note that these troops whether from Ethiopia or Eritrea are there because the Somalis are not united. If they were, these foreign forces would not be there.   

Do you think there are foreign forces responsible for the violence in Somalia?   

Absolutely not! The violence in Somalia is caused by the Somalis themselves. But I want to say that the international community must have respect for Somalia.   

There are cases about people printing money in Somalia pushing inflation. Comment on this, please.

Somalia has been at war for 18 years meaning infrastructure has been interfered with immensely. I know the cost of living is very high but it is unfortunate when people who bring humanitarian aid are attacked and killed. People are doing all these to survive. But at the same time it is wrong. 

Any concluding comments?

I believe Somalis can work together and they need to be given a chance to do this. Time has come that we must help the country remain together. Thank you.