Support Djibouti peace deal

Somalia is deeply split into many rival territories held by tribal or Islamic groups, each backed by substantial militias. The 'government' does not control much of the country and is incapable of imposing order. In such a desperate situation, the only agenda of a government should be to seek some form of national reconciliation, while recognising that a failed nation state has to be rebuilt.

The ageing president, Adullahi Yousuf, a former warlord, has opposed a tentative peace deal hammered out in Djibouti last year by the former prime minister, Nur Hassan Hussain. The peace deal is worth pursuing in part because it is the only deal around. It would also incorporate the leading moderate Islamic group, thereby helping to exclude the far more radical Shabab militia. Somalia needs help. The UN, African Union, Arab League, and anyone else should support any incoming government that is willing to seek national reconciliation.
 

Source: Gulf News