Additional funds to support recently signed Djibouti Agreement forthcoming

The United States again congratulates the parties to the June 9 Djibouti Agreement between the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia.   The agreement marks a crucial opportunity to end more than 18 years of conflict and instability in the country.

In support of the Agreement, the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), proposes to provide a total of $6 million to be channeled through the United Nations to support improved governance and security in Somalia. The funding includes a grant of $2 million to the International Labor Organization (ILO) to contribute to the consolidation of the peace process at the district and regional levels by jump-starting employment opportunities among high-risk youth as well as improving capacity of local district councils to deliver services and create employment opportunities. An additional $4 million grant to UNDP would support the constitution-making process under Somalia’s Transitional Federal Charter, increase support to the establishment and strengthening of central and local government, and strengthen rule of law and security through the creation and development of competent police.

The development aid package reaffirms the United States Government’s strong commitment to support credible and legitimate governance institutions, rule of law, peace building, and economic development in Somalia.

In addition to the proposed funding, the U.S. is committed to providing all appropriate assistance to support the implementation of the June 9 Djibouti Agreement.   “Bringing about stability and security in Somalia through an inclusive democratic government is one of the highest priority U.S. foreign policy objectives in the Horn of Africa.” said U.S. Special Envoy to Somalia John M. Yates.

Since 2007, the U.S., the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Somalia, has also provided more $285 million on development, security and humanitarian assistance to Somalia.

For more information about USAID’s programs in Somalia, please visit http://eastafrica.usaid.gov.

Source:USAID