United Nations Radio

The top UN envoy for Somalia is urging the country’s leaders to put aside differences and unite to consolidate stability in the war-ravaged country.

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative made his appeal to all sectors of the Somali society, including the diaspora, even as violence threatens the latest peace efforts.

The UN envoy noted that Somalia had made significant progress with last month’s agreement between the Transitional Federal Government and te the opposition alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia on a ceasefire, on establishing a unity government and military forces, and on the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops.

Mr. Ould-Abdallah said that after so many years of war and suffering, it was vital to keep moving forward and not allow personal interests, sensitivities or misunderstandings to get in the way of the continuing peace process.

Somalia has not had a functioning national government since 1991. A surge in violence this year has caused widespread displacement in the country.

Diane Bailey, United Nations

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