January
9, 2013
A
year ago, few predicted that Somalia would see such significant changes; yet
2012 saw some real progress in Somalia – including the end of the Transition; a
new Parliament (with a significant number of new MPs); the election of a new,
reform-minded Speaker and President and a desire for a different type of
politics. Al Shabaab has been weakened, having lost the strategic locations of
Baidoa and Kismayo, to add to the loss of Mogadishu in 2011. It has also seen
renewed international support – from Somalia’s neighbours, the AU and, via the
London and Istanbul conferences, the wider international community.
 |
| Matt Baugh UK Ambassador to Somalia |
As
we look forward, these changes offer better prospects for enhanced stability in
Somalia than those seen in two decades. Somalia’s President has identified his
preliminary priorities, which we support. Delivering on these will need strong
Somali leadership and sustained international commitment. It’s not just about
rebuilding Somalia’s state institutions, reversing the massive displacement or
arresting the changing nature of Al Shabaab’s insurgency. It’s also about
helping the government extend its authority; re-building trust; integrating
militia into the national forces; and creating the right incentives for a
national political process. This means supporting the new government to make
progress in newly-recovered areas, to facilitate political reconciliation and
foster greater collaboration with its neighbours; to transparently manage its
own finances. At the heart of this agenda is showing that life can be – is –
better now than previously or under Al Shabaab.
All
this can be done – but it won’t be quick, nor can it be internationally-driven.
As 2013Â dawns, there are some clear priorities that – together – we can start
to address.
Firstly,
security. Al Shabaab is weakening, piracy currently in decline. To consolidate
the territorial gains being made, AMISOM needs sustained support to deliver
their mission; together with the Somali security forces, AMISOM now covers a
significant proportion of the country. But, longer-term, AMISOM is
unsustainable. Somalia needs its own security forces – credible, capable and
accountable forces (army, police, coastguard), supporting a more effective
judicial system in which Somalis have greater confidence.
Secondly,
supporting the government to extend its reach and authority. It has a clear
idea of what it wants to do: directing local stabilization, facilitating
political outreach, integrating militia, demonstrating to its people that they
are better and more credible than the alternative. By demonstrating their
commitment to financial transparency, the government can access support and
assistance to control corruption, improve accountability, enhance its
legitimacy and credibility – accessing financial assistance from major donors.
At
the same, its clear that continued international support will be required.
Recommendations on both the UN and AU missions will be presented and discussed
in the next few weeks. We need to make sure the opportunities afforded by these
two timely reviews are seized. Coordinated and coherent international
leadership are vital to reinforce and assist Somalia’s own leadership. Both organizations
have been at the forefront of international assistance over many years; as we
move into this next, vital phase, we should make sure both help the new
government deliver progress on the issues that matter.
This
will inevitably mean greater prioritization – on issues like security, justice,
governance and public financial management. This, in turn, means greater
collaboration and coordination among donors. We need to demonstrate we are
prepared to make the shift that the President and our Somali partners are
calling for – a greater presence; more direct engagement. The re-establishment
of the British Embassy in Mogadishu in 2013 will be a tangible sign of the UK’s
commitment.
Finally,
we shouldn’t forget Somalia remains one of the world’s most challenging
humanitarian contexts, both in terms of access and, most importantly, need.
Over 2 million Somalis are acutely vulnerable; there are now three generations
of Somalis in refugee camps outside the country. Improving the prospect for
ordinary Somalis – basic assistance, the ability to return home, should they
want – needs to be a yardstick by which we measure success.
As
2013 begins, many challenges exist; but so do the opportunities for a more
stable future. Partnership, commitment, leadership; with the right resolve, the
ambitions of all Somalis for a more peaceful, stable Somalia “one which the UK fully
shares” could be within reach.
As
ever, I’d welcome your thoughts. Once again, a very Happy New Year
Matt
Baugh
UK Ambassador to Somalia
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