Nairobi, April 9, 200 (East African Standard): A brother to former Somalia President Mohammed Siad Barre said today he would contest the country's presidency at the conclusion of the reconciliation talks currently under progress in Nairobi.
Dr Abdul Rahman Barre said his vision was to unite Somalia and work for prosperity and peace.
He made the declaration as the Somalia reconciliation talks ran into new trouble following last week's walkout by three warlords.
The Mogadishu based warlords walked out of the peace process claiming that the initiative being facilitated by the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is not achieving its intended objectives.
Kenyan special envoy to Somalia Bethwel Kiplagat has been trying to woo back the Transitional National Government (TNG) and other groups to return to the talks.
Barre who formerly served as Foreign Affairs Minister in his brother's regime said he would work for peace and reconciliation to heal the wounds of conflict in Somalia.
"We have been through a great deal of turmoil in Somalia. The chance for peace is now," he said.
Barre said he was confident that the entire Somalia would support his bid because of his public record. He said he had served Somalia with dedication when he was in government and understood well the needs of the country.
He however took a swipe at warlords and other groups who he said were sabotaging the reconciliation talks. He said the talks presented the best opportunity for the Somalis" and no one should be allowed to interfere with them."
He said it was the democratic right of the Somalia people to elect leaders of their choice after the parties agree during the reconciliation talks.
"The choice of a leader must be through consensus. But first there must be trust building from the talks being sponsored by IGAD," he said.
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