U.S. Tells Somali Factions to Make Peace or Nation Won’t Get Reconstruction Aid
The United States told Somalia’s feuding factions Friday that it would help rebuild Somalia only if they stop fighting and talk peace.
The warning was delivered at fund-raising talks for Somalia a few days before its feuding factions hold a national reconciliation conference to try to restore some form of government.
Richard Cobb, head of the U.S. delegation to the three-day money meeting here, said continued violence and the killing of aid workers forced the donor community “to ask whether helping Somalia is worth the risks.”
“While we have come together here to pledge our commitment to a relief and rehabilitation plan for Somalia, I want to stress the United States’ views that any commitments made here are contingent upon the successful efforts of Somalis to engage in peaceful, sincere political negotiations,” he said.
“Continued episodes of violence that disrupt concerted world efforts now under way to help Somalis could lead eventually to them saying no to Somalis’ request for assistance.”
The Addis Ababa conference brings together representatives of donor countries, international organizations and about 160 Somalis and is aimed at raising $166.5 million.
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