Employment Programme in Mogadishu Forced to Close Prematurely

Press Release

ILO, Somalia, 19th April 2007: The ILO Employment for Peace (EFP) in Mogadishu and South and Central Somalia regrets to announce the early termination of its activities in Mogadishu. A total of 25 of the 32 weeks of the programme that entailed engaging communities in employment intensive projects around the city were successfully completed, creating 289,000 work days of employment.

The early termination is due entirely to the security situation in the city.

The programme wishes to take the opportunity to thank the people of Mogadishu and the district leaders for their partnership and support throughout this difficult programme period.

We also wish to acknowledge the work of SAACID in the management and implementation of the programme.

It is a shame, and deeply disturbing, that we are forced to close this programme that targeted the poorest people in the city at a time when they are having to endure even more hardship, violence and displacement.

ILO also wishes to acknowledge the support of the European Commission and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs who financed this project.

For more information contact:

ILO Employment for Peace Programme, Somalia

Tel: + 254 20 7621135 or 7621363

Cell: + 254 (0) 721 423352