Somalia Reconciliation Efforts Launched ‎In Baidoa

BAIDOA, Somalia, Apr 29, 2006 – Somalia on Saturday launched a major push to seek reconciliation among the lawless country's warring clans by attempting to set up regional bodies as platforms for fostering dialogue.

The district-based peace building and reconciliation effort, launched with the support of donors, hopes eventually to lead to the formation of transitional district development councils throughout the country.

Under the plan, local community representatives are expected to elect district commissioners, officials said.

Somalia has had no functioning central government since warlords ousted military dictator Mohamed Siyad Barre in 1991, triggering 15 years of lawlessness.

Officials said they hoped that involving local communities in promoting peace in Somalia would bear fruit.

"All the people who have been denied a voice ... will be provided with one in their community administration within a federal structure," Mario Raffelli, the special envoy for the Italian government said at the meeting being held at the Somalia parliament in Baidoa, the interim government's temporary base.

Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi and the speaker of parliament were expected to address the meeting.

Somali residents said they hoped reconciliation efforts would be successful.

"I know the meeting is meant to reconcile the clans living in Baidoa, I think it is a good idea because peace will now prevail," said Bashir Mohamed, 13, who has seen only fighting in his life.

Source: Reuters

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