By-Liner (Op-Ed)

Historic Opportunity in Somalia - By U.S. Ambassador Michael L. Retzer

February 1, 2007

There exists today an historic opportunity for the Somali people to achieve a broad-based, inclusive government. The key now is to push for a long-term solution based on an inclusive political process leading to the formation of a government of national unity based on the framework of the Transitional Federal Charter.

The U.S. has three principal goals in Somalia:
1) help Somalia regain political and economic stability by supporting the establishment of a stable national government based on genuine national reconciliation;
2) promote security and stability on the ground , which includes combating terrorism; and
3) alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

These goals are mutually reinforcing. The United Nations sanctioned a peacekeeping force of up to 8000 troops for Somalia. We welcome commitments from Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, and Ghana to send forces and we are urging other African countries to do so as well. Deploying an African stabilization force into Somalia quickly is vitally important to support efforts to achieve stability, and will enable the rapid withdrawal of Ethiopian forces without creating a security vacuum.

Somalia will not be stable as long as foreign terrorists are active there. Similarly, achieving a stable national government will help ensure that Somalia is not exploited as a base of operations by foreign terrorists.

The United States remains the leading donor of humanitarian aid to Somalia and has already committed over $40 million (Tshs.52 billion) for development, humanitarian, and peacekeeping support to Somalia this year. The total amount of U.S. humanitarian assistance committed to Somalia in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 exceeds $95 million (Tshs.123.5 billion). This is only a down payment in our support for efforts to achieve peace and stability in Somalia.

The United States is making a long-term commitment because we understand the importance of a positive outcome in Somalia to the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa, and the African continent as a whole. We hope the people of Tanzania will join the people of the United States in ensuring a safe and stable future for the people of Somalia. Thank you.

Michael L. Retzer is the U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania