COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE EXTRA-ORDINARY SUMMIT OF IGAD HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON SOMALIA

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We, the Heads of State and representatives of Government of Member States of IGAD, namely Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda;

Having met in Nairobi on 5th September, 2006, under the Chairmanship of H.E. Mwai Kibaki, President of the Republic of Kenya;

Recalling the decision of the IGAD Summit Meeting held on 15th October, 2004, in Nairobi, on the African Union (AU) and IGAD, to explore practical and more affordable ways to support and sustain a Peace Restoration and Protection Force to Somalia;

Recalling further that the 6th Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Abuja, on 31st January, 2005, authorized the deployment of an IGAD Peace Support Mission in Somalia;

Reaffirming the commitment and resolve of the last IGAD Summit held on 20th March, 2006, to accelerate the process of deploying the IGAD Force in line with its earlier decisions;

Recognizing that the prevailing situation poses a severe threat to peace and gravely undermines the ability of the Transitional Federal Institutions to consolidate the gains made so far and achieve longterm stability in accordance with the Transitional Federal Charter and the National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP).

Determined to intensify our common efforts towards realizing the aspirations of the Somali people, for a comprehensive and lasting solution, and in this regard, welcoming ongoing initiatives to promote constructive and meaningful dialogue within the framework of the Transitional Federal Charter;

HAVE resolved to:-

  1. Re-affirm our support for the Transitional Federal Charter and the Transitional Federal Institutions, as an embodiment of the common will of the Somali people;

  2. Express Support for the on-going dialogue between the TFG and ICU and encourage both parties to strive to overcome any differences by actively pursuing genuine reconciliation in a spirit of accommodation and flexibility.  In this regard, we appreciate the efforts of the Government of Sudan in hosting discussions aimed at resolving the differences and applaud the agreement reached between the parties in Khartoum on 4th September, 2006.

  3.  Reiterate that any dialogue must be based on the will of the Somali people and preserve the sanctity of the Transitional Federal Charter and the Federal Institutions which provide a solid political framework to achieve a lasting solution to the Somali problems;

  4.  Welcome the role being played by Kenya on behalf of IGAD, aimed at promoting further reconciliation between parties and regions in Somalia in keeping with the letter and spirit of the charter, and in this regard mandate the Chair to continue with these efforts;

  5. Fully endorse the revised IGASOM deployment plan and request the AU Peace and Security Council to expedite its formal approval, and in this regard call on the AU to accelerate the release of requisite funds to enable the implementation of the first phase of the plan;

  6. Appeal for additional financial and material support for the envisaged Peace Support Operation.  In this regard, we recognize the efforts of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to assist in rallying support to raise funds for the Peace Mission.

  7. Call on the United Nations Security Council to convene urgently in order to consider and take action in accordance with its presidential statement of 13th July, 2006;

  8. Urge the people of Somalia and the international community to support the deployment of IGASOM Peace Support Mission;

  9. Recognize the efforts of the Transitional Federal Government to create regional administrations as required by the Somalia National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP), and appeal for increased international support for reconstruction of Somalia;

Issued in Nairobi on 5th September, 2006