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Violence Begets
Violence:
Attempting to Solve Somali Political Crisis with Violence is not a Solution
(SHHRF 0052/2005, 09 July 2005)
(English version)
We are profoundly alarmed by the
current build up of tension and political hostility between the Transitional
Federal Government (TFG) and Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA). Since the
formation of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in 2004, two
main problems seem to have stalled its activities. These are: (i) The
deployment of foreign peacekeeping troops in Somalia, and (ii) The temporary
relocation of the capital until it is cleared of militia and freelance
gangs.
These matters have divided the
government, the parliament and the presidency into two or more groups. It
has also polarised the nation into clan lines, a scenario too familiar that
need not to dwell on.
It is regrettable that both sides to
employ media rhetoric tension to shore up their position. Somalis cannot
afford a renewal of political violence.
We appeal to both sides:
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To
find peaceful solutions to their differences and that of the Somali
problem in general,
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To
find legitimacy from the wider population as you have been formed by a
small number of people whose representation remains questionable,
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Mogadishu should be cleared of militia before the
government is relocated. In the meantime, sensible solution must be found
to where the government will be based,
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According to the Transitional Federal Charter,
reconciliation should be the priority of the TFG as everything else is
expected to depend upon it. For example, as reconciliation is building
trust, compromise it is the main ingredient which could help a smooth
demobilisation process.
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Deployment of neutral foreign troops is a perquisite
for peace building. As there is no national police force, it is obvious
that without a peacekeeping force it will be difficult to sustain peace
Sultan Hurre Human Rights Focus (SHHRF)
urges both sides to continue working towards dialogue and understanding with
the framework stipulated in the provisional Somali Federal Charter.
Sultan Hurre Human Rights Focus (SHHRF) |
