WETANG’ULA: SOMALIA REQUIRES COLLECTIVE SUPPORT

Foreign Affairs minister, Hon. Moses Wetang’ula has said that the situation in Somalia cannot be addressed solely by an institution or an individual, but calls for committed plan of action by the various stakeholders. The Minister said this when he met with the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, who paid him a courtesy call in his office. Ambassador Mahiga, a long serving Tanzanian diplomat, was appointed the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia in June 2010, replacing Mr. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah from Mauritania, who has served in the position from September 2007.During their discussions, Honourable Wetang’ula noted that there was broad consensus that the Somali TFG requires considerable support to enable it secure the larger part of the country and provide basic services to the population. He urged the envoy to impress on the UN and other key partners to provide the necessary equipment and facilities to the Somali government. The Minister also emphasized on the need for dialogue and assured the envoy that IGAD will endeavor to forge consensus between the TFG and the opposing forces.Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Mahiga thanked the Kenyan government for the good reception accorded to him on his appointment, which he noted, was an expression of confidence in his capabilities. He said that Kenya has done a lot to support peace in Somali and promised to oversee a more proactive, consultative and improved partnership during his term as the United Nations Secretary General Special Representative for Somalia.Meanwhile, the United Nations official thanked the people of Kenya for passing the proposed constitution and wished them well in implementing the new laws. Foreign Affairs Minister,