Pushing for a lasting reconciliation process in Somalia

It has been months now since the ousting of the Union of Islamic Courts from Mogadishu and some semblance of peace and security has been achieved despite the occasional attacks from the insurgents. Conducting a successful reconciliation conference can be the only way out for the TFG (Transitional Federal Government) if they are to secure a lasting solution in Somalia. The Ethiopian troops as well as AU peacekeeping troops cannot stay in Somalia forever and Somalis need to come together, reconcile and mark out a future that is based on equity, mutual respect and the re-establishment of a Somali state.

The chapters of anarchy, insurgency and infighting have to end; it is imperative that all sides come to the understanding that factionalism cannot take them anywhere- the conflict 16 years on has not brought anything to Somalia but misery and suffering. Looking for powers within the region and outside to use as leverage for power mongering has to cease and desist. Somalia is at a threshold of finally achieving stability and thus all those involved in the process should not be blinded by selfish interests.

The international community for its part has to renew its efforts either financially or through the influence it wields among the various Somalia players to push for dialogue and reconciliation to be the only options in solving Somalia’s problems. The move of some Somali elements based in Eritrea to hold a parallel peace conference in direct competition with that of the Somali government’s reconciliation conference is not only counterproductive but also raises the question whether certain segments have become comfortable with the years of conflict and would rather go to any means to derail any and all promise of finally bringing peace in Somalia. One should not focus on who is organizing the conference but what is on the table for discussion at the conference. Tit for tat maneuvers do more harm than any good.

The main objective of the congress is to start with the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) to help heal the wounds of the people of Somalia who had suffered from years of conflict. No particular segment of the population alone is set to gain anything from the conference, but the beneficiaries are all the people of Somalia. Unless steps towards reconciliation come now, delaying will necessarily destroy what little hope Somalia has towards becoming a functioning state. With reconciliation, a process of self governance and peace will gather roots in Somalia with the withdrawal of peacekeepers which insurgents claim to be occupiers’ forces will follow thus at least answering some of the demands of those opposed to the reconciliation process. One cannot continue to use peacekeepers as crutches for the lack of progress in the politics of Somalia. All roads towards Somali self rule lead through reconciliation and dialogue among Somalis and there is no other alternative.

Ironically, all sides have continued to maintain that they stand for the Somali people and are trying to bring peace to their war- torn country. One wonders why commitment towards achieving this claim has so far only materialized through rhetoric alone. If these sides are sincere, why don’t they work together towards reaching a settlement? Are the divergent stands held by the various factions so irreconcilable that a common ground can’t be achieved? As has been for the past 16 years, peace in Somalia remains in the hands of Somalis. Whether the leaders work together and grab this opportunity and finally deliver on their promises again rests on the leadership. •


July 20, 2007