INTRO: Recent fighting in Somalia between the Al Shabaab rebels and the Somali Transitional Government has further deteriorated the situation on the ground causing scores of people to flee the country. Attempts to topple the government were unsuccessful however, and the situation remains critical, prompting the United Nations Security Council to call for the support of the Djibouti Peace Process and the strengthening of the peacekeeping mission. Jocelyne Sambira reports.
NARR: A statement issued by the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Navi Pillay, Friday states that atrocities are being committed against civilians in Somalia and that they may constitute war crimes. Due to the fragility of the current situation there is no doubt in the Under Secretary- General for Somalia, Lynn Pascoe's mind that the time to act is now. The continuous onslaught on the Somali Transitional Government by the insurgents might lead to their seizing power by force if nothing is done.
PASCOE: The choice before us is a stark one, either we help the Somali people overcome the current attempt to thwart efforts towards peace, or we allow the new unity government based on consensus and the Djibouti accords to fall to radical opposition.
NARR: The militant group Al Shabaab helped by foreign fighters seems to have intensified its efforts to coerce and intimidate public figures like clan elders and government officials through targeted assassinations and harsh punishments. Lynn Pascoe gives a brief description.
PASCOE: Recent examples of acts that have shocked many Somalis who practice a moderate form of their religion include the decapitation of local community leaders and dismemberment of youth for theft.
NARR: The Djibouti Accord may have helped put in place a Government of National Unity but according to the African Union and Somalia representative to the UN, Ahmed Duale, the country has become a safe haven for militants and terrorists who continue to obstruct peace efforts and destabilize the region.
DUALE: Now, the situation is taking a new dimension. Since the emergence of the extremist movements which are linked to Al Qaida and some of the State sponsors of terrorism, which always maintain agendas that do not promote the interest and peace in Somalia. The presence of Al Qaida is not only a claim but it is a reality.
NARR: To avert this critical outcome, Ambassador Duale insists that the peacekeeping force promised to Somalia must reach its full deployment of 8,000 troops, in addition to providing equipment and funding to the Somali national forces. In response to this, US Ambassador Susan Rice said her country was committed to bolstering the African Union troops as well as alleviating the suffering the Somali people and called on her counterparts to do the same.
RICE: If the extremists are successful, we could lose yet another generation of Somalis to war, disease and desperate poverty. The people of Somalia have suffered far too much, far too long. The International Community must support their efforts to improve security and extend the reach of their government institutions as well as provide life saving humanitarian assistance. Without our support, Somalia risks becoming a lasting safe haven and training ground for those plotting terrorist attacks around the world.
NARR: Jocelyne Sambira reporting for UN Radio.
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