The International Conference in support of the Somali Security Institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia
22- 23 April, Brussels

COMMUNIQUE

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The International Conference in support of the Somali Security Institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia was convened by the United Nations Secretary General following the request of the UN Security Council in its resolution 1863 of 16 January 2009 under the joint auspices of the African Union and United Nations and hosted by the European Commission and the European Union. The Conference, which took place in Brussels from 22 – 23 April, was co-chaired by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the African Union Chairman, Jean Ping.

The Conference was attended by representatives from more than 60 countries and regional organizations including; the Somali President, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed; the Deputy  Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Benhelli; the Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference, Atta Manane Bakheet; the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barosso, the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana; and the EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel.

The President of the European Commission thanked participants for their interest and commitment to stability in Somalia.  In particular, he welcomed the partnership of the African Union, the European Union, the European Commission, the Inter Governmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and support of the members of the International Contact Group.

The United Nations Secretary General welcomed the International Community’s commitment to address the issue of piracy and the recognition that as well as addressing the issue through an international naval presence, land-based solutions to the root causes of piracy must be urgently addressed.

The United Nations Secretary General welcomed the pledges made by countries participating in the Conference, which totaled $213 million in support of the Somali Security Institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), saying this showed the commitment of the International Community to helping the new Somali Transitional Federal Government bring about peace and stability.   He further expressed deep appreciation for the support given by AMISOM to the Somali people.

President Ahmed stated that the issue of security is one of his Government’s highest priorities and that a stable security environment was vital, not only to bring about an end to 18 years of conflict, but also for Somalia’s continued and future development. Greater political stability, the provision of social services and livelihoods, improved humanitarian access and adherence to international obligations and commitments depends on a conducive, enabling security environment.

President Ahmed emphasized that the requested support is the first phase of a long term security strategy based on Somalia ownership and responsibility for its implementation.

President Ahmed acknowledged the support given to Somalia by the International Community, and in particular by AMISOM and the region. President Ahmed urged all Somalis to support the emerging peace and stability in their country.  The door remained open to all those who wanted to join the process.

The International Community welcomed the fact that the pledges committed fully met the expressed requirements, in particular the confidence shown to the Somali Government, and looked forward to rapid disbursement to the Somalia Security Sector and AMISOM.

The International Community expressed the hope that the forthcoming International Contact Group meeting in Rome in June will provide the opportunity to make further progress towards a stable and peaceful Somalia, and that a further donors conference will be organized that will focus on reconstruction and development.

The International Community expressed its gratitude to the European Union and the European Commission and for generously hosting the Conference.

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