On 24th January, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development and Department for Communities and Local Government held a meeting with 15 members Somali community at Old Admiralty Building near Trafalgar squire to discuss the changing political situation on the ground in South Central Somalia.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office assured to the participant that the British Government was working with the international community to encourage the Transitional Federal Somali Government to be inclusive and promote harmony. The United Kingdom is also working in support of an African stabilization force to replace Ethiopian troops.

Department for International Development referred to the increasing levels of development assistance for Somalia and assured those present that they were constantly evaluating the situation.

Department for Communities and Local Government said they were a relatively new department and were tasked with engaging with communities throughout the UK and were keen to build on their links with the Somali community.

The members of the Somali community present thanked the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the event and the contributions of the other departments. Amongst the concerns raised was that the TFG would not be inclusive and would use their victory to settle scores. The Union of Islamic Courts had achieved stability which was now being undermined due to concerns of fighting terrorism.

Other concerns were about the levels of aid allocation and lack of involvement by the British Somalis and in general Somali Diaspora in the process of reconstruction. They had an important role to play.

In terms of community engagement, members of the Somali community welcomed this initiative. Many Somali young people had problems including homelessness and crime. They needed a voice.

The attached press release by David Triesman, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Responsible for: Relations with Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Overseas Territories, the Commonwealth, UK visas, Migration policy, Consular policy, Public Diplomacy, including the British Council, the BBC World Service and the Chevening Scholarships Scheme. The press release defines the position of Britain on Somalia was distributed at the meeting. The meeting was fruitful and superbly organized. Both sides [3 government department and Somalis] shared their ideas and discussed in amicable environment.

Hashim Ismail Duale

Leicester , UK

hashim.duale@gmail.com