Ali M Geedi prime minister TFG Somalia

Addis Ababa , Ethiopia , Nov 27, 2005 (Sub Saharan Informer) – SSI had the opportunity this week to sit down with the Prime Minister of Somalia, Ali Mohammed Gedi. Here he answers questions about a new reconciliation process, violence and instability in Mogadishu and elsewhere, piracy off the Somali coast, lackluster international support, and relations with Somaliland .

SSI: It could be recalled that at the inauguration of the government, some African countries, including the African Union , pledged troops to assist you in disarming and securing peace in Somalia and relocating the government appropriately. But so far no troops have made it to Somalia . Why is that?

PM A. Gedi: Putting in place peace supporting mission or troops from the IGAD member states and the African Union is a priority. And there is no obstruction, but it is a process and it requires combined effort and the collectivity from the international community’s point of view. For example my last visit to the European Union Commission has guaranteed financial support for this issue of stabilization and peace mission to Somalia in collaboration with the African Union, IGAD members and Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. So this process is now in an advanced stage and hopefully within the coming couple of days a technical committee from the AU will reach Jowhar to consult with the government and put in place our national security plan for the implementation of stabilization of Somalia .

SSI: Recently there was an attempt on your life and on some of your colleagues. How did it happen? Why did it happen? And whom do you think was responsible?

PM A.Gedi: Of course they are people who are not willing to have any government and stability for Somalia . We describe them as cowards because they cannot carry out any direct attack. So it was a landmine and hand grenade and they were trying to disappoint the government and divert our mission and objective. But that did not happen. We have continued with our mission and we have achieved the expected results and that has attracted the international community’s support to the government and also the support of the Somali people to the government. But everywhere there are challenges and the government is prepared to address these challenges.

SSI: Your Excellency, you just have concluded a tour in Europe and participated in some meetings. Can you tell us about that, with whom you met and what you have discussed in regards to peace and stability in your country?

PM A. Gedi: It was an official visit to Brussels to meet with the relevant officials of the European Union and Commissioners. We met with the development commissioner, His Excellency Luis Michel, we met with Javier Solana, the political commissioner and we also met with the 25 ambassadors to the European Union member States. And all of them were very supportive. We discussed issues related to security restoration in Somalia ; stabilization, reconstruction and development. And they have pledged their full support financially and politically and to advocate the faith of Somalia worldwide.

SSI: As we refer to Somalia today we are referring to Somalia with our Somaliland . Because Somaliland has been taking its own path for the last 14 years, what is the relationship today and what is the relationship going to look like in the future?

PM A. Gedi: Somaliland is a Somalia entity first of all. They claim to break away from the unity, but that is not the reality today. Somaliland today is a stable area with a governance and stability, and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia is focusing on the rest of Somalia to be stabilized and security to be stabilized and security to be restored. When we reach that stage, we are prepared to start dialogues with Somaliland people and authorities for the future and the destiny of the Somali people.

SSI: When do you suppose that could happen?

PM A. Gedi: Within the time frame of our five-year mandate of course.

SSI: Are there any talks and meetings with the government in Somaliland and the Transitional Federal Government?

PM A. Gedi: Not yet. As I have said, once we have to stabilize the rest of Somalia , we are prepared to start dialogue with them.

SSI: We have had interviews with Somaliland authorities, and they are of the opinion that you are their brothers, and if the Transitional Federal Government so wishes them to cooperate, they can cooperate, but as a different entity not as one entity (one Somalia ). What do you have to say of this notion?

PM A. Gedi: I don’t believe in different entities. The act of union of the 1960 is still there, and the unity did not come with the willingness of one part- it was a common understanding. It was a common undertaking. And it still needs a common understanding and collective effort to consolidate the Somalia unity under governance. It is within the transitional federal charter of Somalia that Somalia is one country, it is one nation, and to reach that objective it needs a combined effort and collective decisions and consultations through dialogue. So we understand that maybe some international actors are trying to advocate for the recognition of Somaliland but that will never happen.

SSI: You were quoted as saying if the international community recognizes Somaliland we don’t have a problem, we will accept them. If that is right and if the international community comes to recognize Somaliland as a separate entity, what would be the outlook of your government?

PM A. Gedi: First of all, the decision and destiny is in the hands of the Somali people not in the hands of the international community. The international community operates through the charter of the United Nations and International Organizations. And in nowhere in that charter is a separation and division of nations possible, so the recognition must come from the Somali people through referendum, through acceptance and through willingness. That was the process of the unity form the beginning and it needs the same process. No country, no international organization can recognize them.

SSI: If Somaliland calls for a referendum, would you support that, to see whether the people would opt for unity or separation?

PM A. Gedi: A referendum must include all Somali people, not part of the Somali people. This is not an easy task. It is not like local administration, it is the destiny of the whole nation. So it must be all inclusive and it must express all of Somalia , if a referendum is deemed necessary for the restoration of the reunification.

SSI: Somaliland is a peaceful place. If you believe that it is still within the framework of Somalia why wouldn’t your government cooperate with them and try to stabilize the rest of Somalia ? Wasn’t it possible to locate the government in Somaliland for more secure operations?

PM A. Gedi: First of all, let me clarify. From a political point of view, still there are different degrees of stability and the government is committed now to stabilize wherever is not stable. When we stabilize the rest of Somalia we will open dialogue with Somaliland .

SSI: What percentage of Somalia is now stable?

PM A. Gedi: Almost the whole country is stable, but what is lacking is local administration to run each respective area. We have started the set-up of local administrations. That is what we are lacking, not stability at all.

SSI: You are friendly with many countries, including Ethiopia, who happens to have good relations with Somaliland . How do African countries like Ethiopia advise you to look at Somaliland ?

PM A. Gedi: The AU and the IGAD member states are focusing on Somalia and not Somaliland . Yes, we are encouraging them for the stability they have achieved and the reconstruction activities they are passing through. But politically speaking, all the AU counties and all the international community are sticking to Somali unity and territorial integrity. This is the common ground even within the charter of the United Nations. So there is no abuse and aberration on that issue.

SSI: But the people of Somaliland have a bit further than just stability. They have effectively carried out the democratization process, installed government institutions and gone through election process more effective than some African counties that have legitimacy. These achievements cannot be overlooked by anyone, and on their part they are saying they need to be rewarded for these achievements. What is your consideration of this?

PM A. Gedi: What is your mission? Are you advocating for the secession of Somaliland from the rest of Somalia or are you just asking me for clarification of what is happening.

SSI: I am just asking for more clarifications, Sir.

PM A. Gedi: I appreciate the effort of the Somaliland people with respect to the stabilization, reconstruction and the governance they are enjoying. But they are still an entity of Somalia . And that cannot be accepted if there is no common sense. What we are calling for is to start a dialogue with them, but it takes effort to start with. So rewarding in a sense is there, but politically speaking Somaliland is a part and parcel of Somalia . So that is the road map for the destiny of the Somali people and the Somali mission. Besides Somaliland communities were included in the reconciliation process in Kenya . These communities are part of the parliament; they are part of my cabinet ministers. The Deputy Prime Minister is from Somaliland , from Hargeisa. So don’t consider only those staying in the geographical area of Somaliland , also those who are part and parcel of the government. Hargeisa is not the only stable place. There are similar places enjoying stability in the country. And all the actions, the killings that were taking place in Somalia were also taking place in Hargeisa. Not only in Somalia is it happening all over the world. So there is no distinction between Somaliland and the rest of Somalia or Somalia and the rest of the world.

(c) Walta Information Center , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia  

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