African Union (AU) mission in Somalia

The New SYL New Somali Youth League Somali Political Party

August 16, 2008

SYL

Press release

African Union (AU) mission in Somalia

In regard to African Union (AU) press release of 20/03/07 where it asks for urgent financial and logistics supports from its members for their mission in Somalia, we question the purpose of the AU.

If their purpose is to impose a clan and dictatorial structure government in Somalia then they have every valid reason to request their demand. However whether they will succeed or either be embroiled in the complexity of Somali clan conflict only time will tell.

If their purpose is to bring stability and order to Somalia then they are pursuing a lost cause in attempting to impose, guard and make the TFG central to Somali solution.

The TFG is not a reconciliation government, it is not a representative government and most certainly it is not the key to any solution. Rather on the contrary it is despotic, it drives and exists on conflicts, it has thwarted from the very path it was set for which was to peacefully reconcile the Somali people, it is actually doing the opposite. Above all it is the catalyst to current dilemma in Somalia.

Hence shouldn’t the AU’s role, according to its reputed stature, be to firstly withdraw the invading Ethiopian troops from Somalia. Secondly to resurrect the TFG which it validates – steps such as introducing the leadership and independence of the TFG Parliament from the intrusion of Ethiopian government and that of TFG president are vital for its credibility among the Somali people. And finally fostering and logistically supporting an immediate reconciliation process among Somali opposing political forces, Somali Civic leaders, tribal and religious elders, Somali Diaspora and other prominent Somali figures. The TFG, once its internal problem has been solved, should be part of these groups and not neither the host nor the organizer of such meeting.

The AU can request as much reinforcement or logistics it needs but it will not solve the Somali dilemma unless it appropriately and genuinely pursues the above mentioned steps.

Finally we condemn the continues daily shelling of densely populated areas of Mogadishu by the Ethiopian troops and clan militias of President Yusuf. This will only further propagate armed resistance and a haven for elements opposed to acceptable Somali solution.

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Sincerely,

Mr. Awale Ali Kullane

Leader of the New SYL

Phone/fax 00447092877136

AWale@yahoo.com

Phone: 00447092877136 • Fax: 00447092877136