1.London Conference on Somalia
The UK will host the London conference on Somalia on 23 February. We expect around 40 governments to attend, along with the United Nations, African Union, European Union, World Bank, the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and the League of Arab States.
Many expect to send their most senior representatives. We are also inviting representatives of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Institutions, as well as the Presidents of Somaliand, Puntland, Galmudug, and representatives of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah (ASWJ).
The international community hopes to agree a series of practical measures which will be published in the form of a communiqué at the end of the conference
Discussion will be arranged under seven headings:
- Security: sustainable funding for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and support for Somali security and justice sectors
- Political Process: agreement to what should succeed the transitional institutions in Mogadishu in August 2012 and the establishment of a Joint Financial Management Board
- Local Stability: a coordinated international package of support to Somalia’s regions
- Counter-terrorism: renewed commitment to tackle collectively the terrorist threat emanating from Somalia
- Piracy: breaking the piracy business model
- Humanitarian: renewed commitment to tackling Somalia’s humanitarian crisis
- International coordination: agreement on improved international handling of Somalia issues
Press enquiries
Media seeking accreditation, or those with questions about the conference or the UK’s policy on Somalia in general, should contact the Foreign Office Press Office.
2. Aims of the Conference
Despite the efforts of the African Union, the United Nations and the international community, international policy towards Somalia is not succeeding. After 20 years of sliding backwards, Somalia needs a step-change in effort – both from the international community, but also Somalia’s political leaders.
On 23 February senior representatives from over 40 governments and multi-lateral organisations will come together in London with the aim of delivering a new international approach to Somalia. They will discuss how the international community can step-up its efforts to tackle both the root causes and effects of the problems in the country.
We are now holding intensive discussions with our international and Somali partners and key stakeholders (including civil society).
There are complex issues that will not be solved overnight. We will need to build on and support the work of the UN, AU, NGOs and the vital role of civil society in Somali and we will require sustained political commitment and concrete action, including from Somalia’s political leaders. Even with sustained commitment progress will be slow, but we hope that this conference will serve at a catalyst and that in time it will be seen as a turning point.
3.Joining the debate
Ultimately, Somalia’s problems need to be solved by Somalis. We are therefore engaging at all levels with Somali authorities, civil society and Diaspora.
As part of this, the Prime Minister met Somalia experts for an informal debate on the challenges facing Somalis and the best way to solve them. The Government is also holding a series of events in the run-up to the Conference with the Somali Diaspora and civil society. Details will be posted here in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, we invite readers to learn more about the UK's work with Somalia on our British Office website and to keep up with news and discussion around the conference by joining Facebook and Twitter,
You can also read and comment on Matt Baugh's blog - Senior Representative for Somalia
SOURCE: UK Foreign Office Press Office.
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