ARTICLE: Somalia: On The Path To Peace and

Stability
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LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
DATELINE: 02/JULY/2016, MOGADISHU, SOMALIA
ARTICLE
Somalia: On The Path To Peace and Stability
By Francisco Madeira
Fifty-six years ago, the great nation of Somalia gained its independence from
colonial rule. It was freedom well-earned after the countrys forefathers
gallantly wrestled power from foreign occupiers and hoisted the white and
blue flag for the first time to signify liberation.
The struggle ushered in self-rule and a hope for a brighter future.
Unfortunately, in 1991, the country plunged into a protracted civil war and
collapse of law and order ensued, betraying the dreams and aspirations the
freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for, and sending millions of Somalis into
neighbouring states and beyond as refugees.
In 2007, however, Somalia received a new lease of life when the African
Union deployed its first group of peace enforcers to dislodge Al-Shabaab
terrorists who had committed gross human rights violations on innocent
civilians both in Somalia and in neighbouring countries.
Today, as the rest of the world joins Somalis in celebrating the countrys 56 th
independence anniversary, I can say with confidence, that the objective of the
African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to disrupt, degrade and destroy
Al-Shabaab and stabilise the country, is largely being achieved.
AMISOM has managed to push Al-Shabaab from 80 percent of the country
including the key towns in Somalia. This has been done through three major
military operations namely; Operation Eagle, Operation Indian Ocean and
Operation Jubba Corridor. The objectives of these operations were threepronged: to liberate the towns, disrupt the terrorists supply routes and
prevent them from collecting illegal taxes from the population.
Al-Shabaab has been pushed to a small area in southern Somalia and
AMISOM will launch a final push to annihilate the militants and allow the

population to go about their lives freely, securely and enjoy, in confidence, the
fruits of independence deservedly earned 56 years ago.
Our military successes have forced Al-Shabaab to change its modus operandi
and engage in asymmetric warfare, indiscriminately targeting civilians, public
places, government installations and businesses in heinous attacks calculated
to cause maximum destruction and reap maximum publicity. To face this new
challenge, AMISOM is working closely with Somali National security forces to
counter the enemys sheer violence and stop the loss of life.
Somalias Rebuilding Has Begun
It is not just on the military front that we are working. AMISOM is supporting
and encouraging the unfolding political process and the country's efforts
towards an inclusive dialogue and reconciliation. It is prioritising stabilisation
and getting government institutions back on their feet to be able to be present
and perform their government functions throughout Somalia.
Today, a police force comprising more than 5,000 men and women recruited,
trained, mentored and equipped with the support of AMISOM, is in place. The
Somali National Army is also being strengthened and has begun taking over
some of the security responsibilities from AMISOM.
Mogadishu, which was formerly under the control of Al-Shabaab until
AMISOM stepped in, is now a bustling city full of life. Last November, the USbased consultancy, Demographia, which bases its annual Demographic World
Urban Areas ranking on the United Nations 2010-20 world population
projections, ranked Mogadishu the second fastest growing city in the world.
According to Demographia, Mogadishu, with a population of 2.1 million, was
growing at a rate of 6.9 percent. It attributed the growth to its improving
security situation and positive economic prospects, thanks to the return of
Somalis living the diaspora. All this is a by-product of AMISOMs endeavours
to bring peace and security to the country.
At the same time, other critical government institutions are taking shape and
impacting positively the lives of the Somali population. The revenue collection
department has been established and has begun collecting taxes; the Central
Bank is putting in place fiscal and monetary measures to regulate the
economy and the immigration department is visibly registering improvement in
its services. The World Bank has appointed a country representative for
Somalia, while the International Monetary Fund last year reviewed the
countrys economy for the first time in 25 years. As a result, it is not surprising
that the Somali economy is growing at a rate above 5 percent, driven by the
booming construction industry and the strong services sector.
However, it is important to note that the achievements made so far can come
to naught if we do not help Somalia go through the delicate political transition
to build a strong nation based on sanctity of life, respect for human rights,
mutual acceptance, tolerance, inclusion, and democratic governance.

To this end, AMISOM has proactively supported the legislative and executive
arms of government in their effort to establish a federal system as envisaged
under the countrys constitution.
In this context, the future Federal states emanating from the Interim South
West Administration, Interim Jubba Administration, Galmudug Interim
Administration and Puntland have so far been established. Discussions are
still ongoing on the establishment of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle state and
how to administer Mogadishu. The interim administrations have already
established regional assemblies and cabinets as platforms for consultation
and debate on issues of interest to the country and the regions and for the
provision of services to the population.
Recently, during the National Leadership Forum (NLF) meeting held in
Baidoa, the countrys top leadership ironed out sticking points on the electoral
process. The NLF agreed to hold parliamentary and presidential elections
before the end of the year. This is an additional step forward in the path of
national reconciliation and enhanced inclusiveness.
Apart from endorsing the elections calendar, the meeting also agreed on the
list of 135 elders who will pick the electoral colleges to elect the 275 members
of parliament. The leaders also approved the establishment of technical
teams, both at the federal and state-level, that will prepare the elections and
ensure the timelines set are met.
This is remarkable progress and additional step forward in the path of national
reconciliation and enhanced democratic inclusiveness.
This is therefore, a clear demonstration that despite the unwarranted killings
and destructions by Al-Shabaab despite the continued challenges the country
is still facing, the balance remains positive: Somalia is on the path to recovery.
This is not the time for despondency. It is the time for steadfastness and
continued resolve to destroy Al-Shabaab, to unite and support Somalia and
make it a great nation again.
Let us all join hands in wishing Somalia a happy 56 th Independence
anniversary. Thank you.
Francisco Madeira is the African Union Special Representative for
Somalia and the head of the African Union Mission in Somalia