Experts Discuss Challenges for Renewed Somali Engagement

Somalia's cabinet has voted to implement Islamic law across the country. Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed agreed late last month to introduce Sharia law as part of a truce negotiated by local Islamic elders between the government and an Islamist insurgent group. The measure will now go to parliament for approval. Here in Washington, the U.S Institute of Peace and The Center for Strategic and International Studies held discussions Tuesday on the topic "Somalia: Challenges for renewed engagement". Reporter Peter Clottey was there and has the details.
Tuesday's conference examined current developments in Somalia and the possibilities for greater U.S. and international engagement. Speakers at the conference included the United Nations Special Representative to Somalia, Ambassador Ahmedu Ould- Abdallah, The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Africa Subcommittee, Russ Feingold, and Acting US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Phil Carter, as well as various security experts, including Somalis.
Somalia has been without an effective government for at least 18 years after former President Mohammed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991 through a coup d'état, plunging the country into insecurity, with tribal leaders as well as Islamic hard-line insurgent groups taking over parts of the country.
Senator Feingold urged Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's government to ensure and maintain peace. He promised to use his position and power to help generate funds to support the activities of the new Somali administration to stabilize the country. He also heaped praise on President Barack Obama's administration for taking special interest in the security situation in Somalia, which he said is connected to threats against U.S security. ..more..http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2009-03-11-voa4.cfm