Somalia needs urgent UN help

Somalia: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a group of seven Horn of Africa states, called on the UN to join African Union efforts to improve security in Somalia.

The request submitted at a recent IGAD Summit explains the need to fill the nearly 20-year power gap. Endless government-rebel clashes and wars have resulted in the humanitarian crisis consuming Somalia since the 1991 overthrow of President Mohamed Siad Barre, now worsened by sea piracy that has placed a diplomatic burden on the country.

However, an RTP Africa television network broadcast noted the efforts by the Somalian transition Government of Sharif Sheik Ahmed to consolidate national unity, and mentioned as an example a recent ceasefire pact with rebel leader Ahlu Sunna Waljama.

Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda created the IGAD in 1996 to complement their efforts to improve security and peace, cooperation, and economic integration.

Mogadishu, Prensa Latina