News story

Somalia Conference - Why now?

Now is the best time in a generation for Somalia to get back onto the road to recovery.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
View of Mogadishu fishing harbour AU-UN IST PHOTO / STUART PRICE

View of Mogadishu fishing harbour AU-UN IST PHOTO / STUART PRICE

Prospects for change

Now is the best time in a generation for Somalia to get back onto the road to recovery with the support of its international friends and neighbours. The changes in Somalia over the last year, including the withdrawal of Al Shabaab from major towns and cities, the peaceful transition of power to a new government, and renewed international support, offer a unique platform on which to build stability and security in the country.

The President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discusses the upcoming Somalia Conference:

President of Somalia discusses the upcoming Somalia Conference

Following the end of the Transitional Federal Government in August last year, Somalia has a more legitimate government than it has seen in many decades.

The new government has issued a six point plan in which it has made clear commitments to improve security and justice, reduce corruption, stimulate economic recovery, deliver services in the health and education sector, foster cooperation with international partners, and uphold the unity and integrity of Somalia. Parliament too has a timetable for revising Somalia’s constitution in preparation for an eventual referendum.

With the improvements in security enabled by Somalia’s national security forces with support from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), people are rebuilding their properties and businesses. Confidence is increasing, and the diaspora are returning. It is vital that we now take this opportunity to maintain momentum and create the conditions to enable Somalia’s innate spirit of entrepreneurialism to thrive.

Further Information

More information about the Somalia Conference 2013

Published 1 February 2013