United Nations Radio

The only way to bring about a semblance of peace and security in Somalia is to clear Mogadishu and its surrounding of extremist militias.

Djibouti and surrounding countries

The suggestion comes from President Ismail Omar Guelleh in a statement to the Security Council during discussion of peace and security in Africa.

The Djibouti leader warned that the authority of the transitional federal government of Somalia is fast shrinking with the advances being made by insurgents throughout the country.

He urged the Security Council to decide to secure Mogadishu, restore law and order and services while United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations begin establishing presence in the capital.

"Are you sceptical? No doubt! But let us face it, without capturing Mogadishu or having a victory in Mogadishu, I cannot see how we can avert the possibility of Somalia's plunge into an avoidable disintegration. On the other hand, if Mogadishu is 'freed', it would give the government a major solid ground or foothold to bring the whole country under its control."

President Guelleh said this is the most important first block in a series of building blocks to enable the government to expand its reach and authority across Somalia.

He stressed that this requires a dynamic change in the thinking of the Security Council and the Secretariat and calls for a gigantic shift from the status quo to one of engagement and resolute determination to resuscitate Somalia once and for all.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'26")