We met at a pivotal moment for Somalia. Last year Somalia’s eight-year transition ended and Somalia chose a new, more legitimate Parliament, President and Government. Security is improving, as Somali and AMISOM forces, and their Ethiopian allies, recover towns and routes from Al Shabaab. The number of pirate attacks committed off the coast of Somalia has drastically reduced. The famine has receded. The diaspora have begun to return. The economy is starting to revive.

But many challenges remain. Al Shabaab is still a threat to peace and security. The constitution is not complete. Piracy and terrorism remain threats. Millions still live in Internally Displaced Persons and refugee camps. The country lacks developed government structures, schools, hospitals, sanitation and other basic services.

The Federal Government of Somalia has set out its plans to address these challenges in its Six Pillar Policy. At the Conference, the international community came together to agree practical measures to support the Federal Government’s plans in three key areas – security, justice and public financial management. The Federal Government presented its vision for the implementation of federalism, the adoption of a permanent constitution and holding of elections. We also agreed to work together to tackle sexual violence in Somalia.

We agreed that partnership between Somalia and the international community would form the basis of our future cooperation: the international community is committed to provide coordinated and sustained support for implementation of the Federal Government’s plans.

Political

We agreed that political progress remains the key to ensuring long-term stability for Somalia. We welcomed the Federal Government’s plans to resolve outstanding constitutional issues, including the sharing of power, resources and revenues between the Federal Government and the regions. We further welcomed the Government’s commitment to hold democratic elections in 2016. We reiterated our support for building capacity in democratic institutions throughout Somalia, beginning with support for local elections in Puntland next month.

We welcomed the dialogue on the future structure of Somalia that has begun between the Federal Government and the regions. We welcomed progress on forming regional administrations and looked forward to the completion of that process. We encouraged the regions to work closely with the Federal Government to form a cohesive national polity consistent with the provisional constitution.

We welcomed the IGAD Extraordinary Summit, held in Addis Ababa on 3 May under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, which agreed a framework for dialogue on regional issues. We looked forward to further progress ahead of a meeting of IGAD in the margins of the African Union Summit in May.

We welcomed the dialogue between the Federal Government and Somaliland at Ankara in April 2013 to clarify their future relationship, building on the meeting at Chevening in June 2012, and welcomed the Ankara communiqué. We expressed our appreciation for the facilitating role played by Turkey.

We welcomed the protection of fundamental rights in the constitution, and the Federal Government’s commitment to uphold human rights, including by establishing an independent National Human Rights Commission. We further welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to protect women and children, and take steps to end the involvement of children in armed conflict. We commended the recent visit of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to Somalia, and the plan for a Somali and international team of experts to make recommendations on how sexual violence could be addressed. We agreed on the important role a free and independent media should play in Somalia, and welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the killing of journalists, and to promote press freedom.

Security

We shared the Federal Government’s view that security is the essential prerequisite for further progress in all other spheres. We commended the bravery and commitment of Somali and AMISOM forces, and those fighting alongside them. We expressed appreciation to countries contributing troops and police. We applauded the forces’ successes in freeing towns and routes from Al Shabaab. We reiterated the need for adequate and sustained funding for AMISOM, welcomed partners’ support to date, and called upon new donors to contribute.

We welcomed the Federal Government’s determination to take responsibility for providing Somalia’s security. We welcomed the Government’s plans for national security architecture and for developing its armed forces, including the integration of militias, and police. We welcomed the commitment to ensure that these security structures are accountable, inclusive, proportionate and sustainable; and respect a civilian chain of command, the rule of law, and human rights. We recognised the need for support to help the Government manage disengaged fighters.

We agreed to support implementation of the Federal Government’s security plans including through existing structures. We also agreed to provide assistance which should be coordinated by the Federal Government.

We welcomed the extension of AMISOM’s mandate for a further year in UN Security Council Resolution 2093. We noted the partial suspension of the arms embargo as recognition of political progress, and urged the Federal Government to fulfil its obligations to provide safeguards to protect Somalia’s citizens and neighbours.

We commended the Somalis and international partners for progress made in combating piracy over the last year including the efforts of Puntland and other regional or local governments and welcomed the Federal Government’s Maritime Resource and Security Strategy. We reiterated our determination to work with Somalia to eradicate piracy and other maritime crimes, and expressed our support for the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to establish internationally recognised Somali waters, which will help it protect its abundant maritime resources and revitalise economic activities, as well as end toxic dumping and illegal fishing. We welcomed international support to develop Somali maritime security capacities and looked forward to the UAE conference in Dubai on 11-12 September. We welcomed partners’ continued efforts to bring to justice to those behind piracy and positive, ongoing initiatives in Somalia and the region. We recognized the need for these efforts to be complemented by work on land to generate alternative livelihoods and support communities affected by piracy.

Justice and Policing

We welcomed the Federal Government’s vision for equal access for all to a robust, impartial and effective justice system. We commended its justice action plan setting out immediate priorities for assistance, developed at the National Dialogue on Justice in Mogadishu, and applauded this inclusive dialogue with stakeholders.

We welcomed the Government’s four-year action plan to create an accountable, effective and responsive police service for Somalis. We agreed to align our assistance for both justice and police behind Federal Government plans. We looked forward to the establishment of a Rule of Law Fund, under the leadership of the Federal Government, and invited UNDP and the Federal Government to present the agreed governance and technical arrangements for the fund at the Brussels Conference in September.

We committed to support the Government’s efforts to combat terrorism. An effective and secure criminal justice system, including the establishment and maintenance of prisons administered with respect for human dignity, will be central to Somalia’s ability to tackle terrorism in a human rights-compliant manner and reduce the threat from Al Shabaab in the long-term.

Public Financial Management

The Federal Government set out its determination to tackle corruption, and fund public services. We welcomed the Government’s four-year plan to establish transparent and effective public financial management systems. We encouraged the Federal Government to establish more robust controls through the Ministry of Finance’s operations including public reporting of budgets, expenditure and audits. We committed to coordinate assistance using the structure set out by the Government.

We acknowledged the Government’s financing gap and urgent need for short-term support to pay for salaries and operations while public financial management reforms are underway and until sufficient domestic revenues can be collected. In this context we welcomed the Federal Government’s creation of a Special Financing Facility as an early opportunity for the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to financial accountability and transparency.

In line with the outcomes of the G8 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, we welcomed the re-engagement of the International Financial Institutions (the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund), including IMF recognition of the Federal Government and progress made at the Spring Meetings.

We recognised the importance of investment and economic growth to increase domestic revenue. We encouraged investment into Somalia, recognising the important role the diaspora could play.

Rationalisation of Funding

The Federal Government appealed to its international partners to provide funding for Somali national plans. The Federal Government expressed its appreciation for continued bilateral support and asked partners to channel funding through mechanisms agreed with the Federal Government, such as the Special Financing Facility and the Rule of Law Fund, wherever possible. We looked forward to development of a longer term sustainable financing architecture for Somalia including a World Bank Multi-Donor Trust Fund which will be important on the path to normalisation of Somalia’s financial relationship with the International Financial Institutions.

Stabilisation

We welcomed the Federal Government’s efforts to develop major initiatives on stabilization, including a comprehensive strategy on disengaged fighters, alternative dispute resolution and at-risk youth. The Federal Government appealed for immediate support for stabilisation projects, to enable local administrations to provide services for their people.

Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons

We recognised the importance of scaling up efforts to create the conditions for the voluntary return and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees, in accordance with international law. We praised neighbouring countries for providing protection and assistance for refugees, and agreed to continue supporting them in shouldering this burden. We recognised that the return of refugees and IDPs should take place within a context of increased security conditions and livelihoods opportunities. We endorsed the tripartite dialogue initiated by the Somali and Kenyan governments alongside UNHCR to develop modalities and a framework for safe, orderly, sustainable return and resettlement of Somali refugees on a voluntary basis, and looked forward to the forthcoming conference in Nairobi.

Role of Multilateral Organisations and International Support

We recognised the role of the United Nations and the African Union in Somalia and welcomed their commitment to a strengthened strategic partnership. We underlined the importance of close coordination by both organisations with the Federal Government, other international and regional organisations, and Member States. We welcomed the creation of a new UN Assistance Mission (UNSOM) in Somalia and urged the UN to deploy the mission by the target date of 3 June. We recognised the important role of Somalia’s neighbours in promoting long-term stability in the region, and encouraged IGAD to continue to work to promote dialogue and mutual understanding. We underlined the importance of EU action through its commitments in the fields of security, development and humanitarian aid. We also recognised the role of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Conference.

We recognised the valuable support provided by bilateral partners, and encouraged them to continue their efforts in coordination with others.

We acknowledged that the Somalia Conference was one of a series of events in 2013 aimed at providing international support to Somalia. We looked forward to the planned Special Conference on Somalia on the socio-economic development agenda in the margins of the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) in late May. Taking note of the Federal Government’s commitment to implement the New Deal engagement in fragile states in the form of a Compact, we welcomed Somalia’s efforts to develop an overarching reconstruction plan encompassing Somali priorities on inclusive politics, security, justice, economic foundations, revenue and services. We looked forward to the EU/Somalia Conference in Brussels in September.

Conclusion

The Conference agreed that Somalia had made significant progress. We congratulated all who had made that possible, notably the Somali people, Federal Government, Members of Parliament, civil society and diaspora. We commended the sustained commitment of Somalia’s international partners, and urged continued results-orientated support. We recognised the need to consolidate progress quickly and reiterated our determination to support Somalia over the long-term.

The UK is the first European Union country to reopen an embassy in the country since the Federal Government of Somalia was established last year.

Mr Hague said Somalia had been through a “dramatic shift”, but continues to face “huge challenges”.
The prime minister will host a Somalia Conference in London on 7 May.

The conference, which will be co-hosted by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aims to provide co-ordinated international support for the new government as it rebuilds the country after two decades of conflict.

‘No illusions’

Speaking from the new embassy site, the foreign secretary said: “We should be under no illusions as to the sustained efforts that will be required, in Somalia and from its international partners, to ensure that Somalia continues to make progress.”

He said the opening of the embassy was “testament” to the strength of the UK/Somalia bilateral relationship.

“We will continue to work closely with the Somalia government on shared priorities, which include tackling conflict, countering terrorism and piracy, providing humanitarian assistance, and promoting UK interests in Somalia,” he added.

Accompanied by the president, the foreign secretary opened the core office of the new embassy at Mogadishu International Airport with a short ceremony and flag-raising.

British Ambassador Matt Baugh, who had been working from Nairobi in Kenya because of security concerns, will move into the office, but the rest of the embassy compound is not expected to be completed until the end of July.

The former British embassy, located close to the port, was closed in January 1991 following the overthrow of the government, and the building is now a ruin.

During his visit to Mogadishu, Mr Hague also met with representatives of Somali civil society to discuss the prevention of sexual violence.

Mr Hague is leading efforts amongst G8 foreign ministers to tackle sexual violence in conflict and has announced £10m of fresh UK funding to support efforts against it.

BBC

Abdullahi Ali Hassan: ‘I am optimistic that his government will restore peace and stability.’ Photo:Center for Education and Development Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world. In recent decades the Somali people have faced civil wars, periodical droughts, famine, floods and a tsunami.

Abdullahi Ali Hassan: ‘I am optimistic that his
government will restore peace and stability.’
Photo:Center for Education and Development

The election of Hassan Sheik Mohamoud as the new president brings hope to Somalia. According to Abdullahi Ali Hassan,  executive director of the Center for Education and Development (CED), one of Oxfam Novib’s leading partners in Somalia, Mohamoud is the right man to lead Somalia to a better future: ‘Somalia is heading in the right direction with this president. Somali civil society groups will get more opportunities for realising changes in this country.’

There was an assassination attempt on Mohamoud only two days after he started his new job, and a few weeks later a law-maker was killed by Islamist rebels in Mogadishu. How optimistic are you about the future of Somalia and the hope Mohamoud’s election must have brought?

Hassan: ‘It is clear to everyone that Somalia is taking the right direction for the first time in two decades. The country is shifting from a transitional system to more de facto democratically elected government institutions. What happened shortly after the election of the new president doesn’t provide an accurate picture of this country’s future. They were isolated and manageable cases that could have been prevented in the first place. However, to ensure that such horrific events do not happen again the government should prioritise stabilising security through an effective establishment and upgrading of Somali police forces and intelligence, which will clear pockets of resistances from insurgent groups in the coming future.’

Mohamoud is a teacher and comes from civil society. Do you know him personally?

Hassan: ‘Mohamoud was a teacher even before the collapse of the former Somali central government. I was a teacher too. We worked together at the Somali National University and have been friends. He is a man of good character, intelligent, socially interacting, committed to always turning his promises into deeds and action, and he is a man who consults the people around him, before taking any decisions.’

What are your expectations about him and the development of Somalia?

Hassan: ‘In the long term I expect to see this country headed to becoming a more peaceful society and I hope for a full recovery for all Somalis from the devastation and destruction that has occurred over the past two decades of chaos and anarchy. This will not happen during his term, but I am optimistic that his government will restore peace and stability, and lay a foundation or at least a starting point that achieves partly the reconstruction and development of this country.’

Looking at Mohamoud’s background, what opportunities does he bring to the work of civil society in Somalia?

Hassan: ‘Mohamoud is a key member of Somali civil society groups, a prominent activist, an educationist and a founder of what became later the SIMAD University. He will bring good collaboration and co-ordination between his government agencies and Somali civil society organisations. He will also effectively contribute to the fact that Somali civil society groups get more opportunities for realising changes in this country, and that there will be more transparency and accountability when it comes to public service management throughout the country.’

At the moment maintaining security seems to be the main problem in Somalia. What is CED going to do to keep the development of young people and specifically girls high on the agenda of the new government?

Hassan: ‘CED is mobilising its resources to be prepared to act on what is required, and adjust to the dynamic political changes that are taking place in our country. As Somalia is moving towards more economic security and development we are planning skills training for young people to ensure their participation in the development of the country. We are also planning the rehabilitation of the devastated education system through a revival of the sector, hence the improvement of the education system for girls has been one of our main objectives for a long time.’

Bron Oxfam Novib, October 26, 2012  Auteur Fred Geelen, editor Oxfam Novib

Saaid, a political newcomer, has been a prominent businessman in neighboring Kenya and is married to Asha Haji Elmi, an influential Somali peace activist.

A Western diplomat said Saaid had a reputation for being above Somalia’s notoriously volatile clan politics, similar to the new president, and the news of his appointment would be welcomed by foreign governments.

“Like all the decisions the new president has made so far, this is a good one, and Somalia is on a bit of a roll with the election of (Mohamed Osman) Jawaari as parliament speaker and Mohamud as president,” the diplomatic source told Reuters.

Mohamud, a former academic and a political newcomer himself, was elected president in a secret ballot on September 10, a result hailed by his supporters as a vote for change in the Horn of Africa state ravaged by war and anarchy since 1991.   Saaid’s appointment as the prime minister will have to be approved by Somali legislators, diplomatic sources said.   Source: Reuters

Fighting was taking place on the city’s beaches after an amphibious assault, the military and resident said.

The loss of the southern port would deal a huge blow to the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab as it is a lucrative source of revenue and a centre for operations over areas it has dominated in south-central Somalia since 2007.

The group, which formally merged with al Qaeda in February, has been steadily losing its footholds under sustained pressure from African peacekeeping forces (AMISOM) and Somali government troops for the past year.

While Kismayu’s recapture would go a long way towards stabilising Somalia, which has lacked effective central government for the past 20 years, it may well embolden the militants to resort to more guerrilla-style attacks.

Kenyan military spokesman Col. Cyrus Oguna said Kenyan soldiers and Somali government troops had advanced on Kismayu from the north, south and from the sea in an amphibious assault.

“We came from the beach side and we’re moving towards the main city. Our surveillance aircraft are monitoring every event taking place on the ground,” Oguna told Reuters.

“For now, we’re not everywhere. We’ve taken a large part of it without resistance, I don’t see anything major happening” he said.

In Kismayu, residents said they could hear fighting near the beach, about 4 km (2.5 miles) outside the city, as military helicopters hovered overhead.

“Now we hear shelling from the ships and the (rebels) are responding with anti-aircraft guns,” Ismail Suglow told Reuters.

“We saw seven ships early in the morning and now their firing looks like lightening and thunder. Al Shabaab have gone towards the beach. The ships poured many AU troops on the beach,” he said.

KISMAYU “NOT A PIECE OF CAKE”

Al Shabaab, which was driven out of the capital Mogadishu last August and is fighting African Union forces in other parts of the country, said it would not give up Kismayu easily.

“Going into Kismayu is not a piece of cake. We are still fighting them on the beach where they landed,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s spokesman for military operations, told Reuters on Friday.

“For us, this is just the beginning, our troops are spread everywhere.”

Al Shabaab’s radio station, Radio Andalus, was still airing live in Kismayu, urging residents to take their guns and join the ‘jihad’, Suglow said.

Other residents said al Shabaab’s fighters were still in Kismayu.

A woman named Halima said some residents who support the militants had joined them with guns at the frontline.

“Armed fighters in civilian clothes are still in the city but I don’t know how long they’ll stay. They look disappointed,” she told Reuters.

On Thursday, residents said planes had dropped leaflets on Kismayu warning civilians to evacuate within 24 hours.

Kenya sent its troops into Somalia last October after the rebels were blamed for a series of raids on Kenyan soil targeting its security forces as well as Western tourists.

The U.N. refugee agency said 12,000 people had fled Kismayu since the beginning of September after Kenyan forces began targeting al Shabaab’s positions in the city.

]]> http://www.warfaafiye.com/2012/09/28/kenya-troops-fight-on-beaches-in-assault-on-somali-rebel-city/feed/ 0 http://www.warfaafiye.com/2012/09/27/communique-on-secretary-generals-mini-summit-on-somalia/ http://www.warfaafiye.com/2012/09/27/communique-on-secretary-generals-mini-summit-on-somalia/#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:42:09 +0000 admin http://www.warfaafiye.com/?p=10498 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon convened a mini-summit on Somalia in New York on 26 September 2012 on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.  His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia attended by video teleconference from Mogadishu and was represented in New York by Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali.  Participants included Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, together with the Chairperson-elect, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, as well as high-level representatives of Burundi, China, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Norway, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Sweden, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Yemen, African Union, European Union, League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, African Development Bank, World Bank and Islamic Development Bank.

Participants congratulated President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Somali authorities and the people of Somalia on the peaceful end of transition, which represented a historic moment for Somalia, and an important step towards improving peace and security.  We paid tribute to the work of the Roadmap Signatories, Traditional Elders, National Constituent Assembly, the new Federal Parliament and the Technical Selection Committee for their roles in ending the Transition.

We welcomed the commitment of the outgoing President to support and work with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and urged all political actors in Somalia to cooperate with the new authorities.  We underlined that this spirit of unity should be a guiding principle for all Somali and international actors working towards peace in Somalia.   We reaffirmed our respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia and pledged our support to a peaceful, democratic, stable and prosperous Somalia.  We recognized that Somalia had entered a new political era and committed to forge a new partnership for peacebuilding and statebuilding, which should be based on principles of national ownership, mutual accountability and transparency.

We welcomed President Hassan Sheikh’s vision for Somalia and his intention to ensure formation of inclusive, broad-based governing institutions. President Hassan Sheikh outlined his early priorities as: stabilization, the rule of law and good governance; economic recovery; peacebuilding and reconciliation; public service delivery; improved relations between Somalia and the rest of the world; and the unity and integrity of Somalia. He committed to transparent and accountable governance, to fighting corruption at all levels, and to ensuring inclusive dialogue and setting up representative and accountable institutions at the national, regional, district and local levels, in accordance with the Provisional Constitution of Somalia. We welcomed the priorities set out by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and resolved to ensure that international support is aligned with Somalia’s priorities and is delivered in a coherent, effective, equitable and predictable manner.

We committed to a new Somali-owned and led partnership, which will work towards a compact between the Somali authorities and the international community inspired by the principles outlined in the New Deal, agreed in Busan in November 2011. We noted the importance of further amendments to the Provisional Constitution and to its full adoption by referendum and elections at all levels. The international community will support the Somali authorities and people in achieving their priorities for peace and development. We are all committed to transparent resource management, including through the establishment of any future Joint Financial Management Board, as foreseen in Security Council resolution 2060 (2012).

To ensure that Somalia receives support in the immediate phase, we resolved that the new Somali authorities and the international community would begin to work jointly to identify priority tasks in capacity and institutional building in the areas of security, justice, equitable provision of basic services, economic recovery, human rights, humanitarian access, and good governance, and highlighted the importance of coordination of all actors engaged in Somalia. We welcomed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s announcement that the Somali authorities, under his leadership, would hold a future meeting with international partners to take these issues forward.

We acknowledged the central role of regional bodies, in particular the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, in contributing to peace in Somalia and to bringing an end to the Transition. In this regard, we also noted the contribution of the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union.

We paid particular tribute to the extraordinary sacrifices made by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troop contributing countries, notably Burundi, Uganda, Djibouti and Kenya, as well as by Ethiopia and other partners who provided logistical support for AMISOM, and the Somali National Security Forces, who had lost their lives in the service of peace.

We stressed the importance of continued support to Somalia’s security sector, including by providing training on international human rights and humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians, and to consider ways to provide immediate support to, and foster cohesion within, the Somali forces operating alongside AMISOM. We emphasized the need for an inclusive dialogue among Somalis over the future security architecture, in line with the Provisional Constitution, and noting specifically the need to engage women. We recalled that the full transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security sector must remain the ultimate goal.

We pledged to rapidly enhance support to the justice sector, including support to an independent judiciary that contributes to accountability and counters impunity.

We acknowledged the valuable contribution of international organizations and Member States towards combating piracy and armed robbery, as well as hostage-taking off the coast of Somalia, underlined the primary role of the Somali authorities in this regard and recognized the need for continued efforts to repress piracy and tackle its underlying causes through a combination of deterrence at sea, strengthening rule of law institutions, developing appropriate legal framework, including laws to prosecute those who finance, plan, organize, facilitate or profit from pirate attacks, with a view to ensuring the effective prosecution of suspected pirates and those associated with piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia, maritime capacity-building, and supporting sustainable livelihood and development initiatives on land. We stressed that the full respect of the relevant international law is a necessary precondition for the effectiveness of the anti-piracy response and international cooperation.

We renewed our support for developing critical national economic infrastructure and revitalizing the economy as key steps towards building national resilience. We recognized the importance of the private sector in bringing stability and prosperity to Somalis and stressed the important role of the Diaspora in revitalizing economic development, including through remittances. We pledged to support the capacity of civil society to contribute to a peaceful society and accountable, representative governance, noting the significant contribution of women in this regard.

We acknowledged the importance of strengthening accountability for violations and abuses of human rights. We emphasized the importance of respecting human rights, individual freedoms and international humanitarian law, and encouraged the Somali authorities to pay special attention to the rights of women and children, including by implementing Action Plans with regard to children and armed conflict. We welcomed that the Provisional Constitution foresees the establishment of an independent National Human Rights Commission. We noted efforts by AMISOM to protect civilians in the conduct of operations and encouraged continued efforts by AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces to take measures to ensure the safety of civilians in all operations, including through the establishment of mechanisms to assess and mitigate the negative impact of hostilities on civilians. We encouraged the UN to support the establishment of local, and where appropriate, international bodies to investigate human rights violations and abuses or recommend options for addressing them.

We acknowledged the critical role of the United Nations, in particular the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Augustine Mahiga. We expressed supportfor the continued role of the United Nations and for the UN to extend their reach, especially in newly recovered areas. We stressed the need for a coherent approach by the UN and between the UN and its partners, especially the African Union. We welcomed the Secretary General’s intention to conduct a Review of the United Nations strategy and presence in Somalia, in consultation with the Somali authorities and all relevant stakeholders, and with a view to delivering as one UN. We also welcomed the intention of the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and World Bank to renew their engagement in Somalia.

We expressed our appreciation to those Member States and international organizations providing funding and support for AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces, and urged other donors to help shoulder this burden to ensure sustainable support for security in Somalia. We acknowledged the significant role of the European Union, including through its Training Mission and Africa Peace Facility, as well as the significant support provided by the United States, Italy, Japan and others. We noted the initiative by Turkey to establish a Restructuring and Rebuilding Fund for the Somali Security Sector. Weemphasized the importance of coordinating our support to security sector development through the Joint Security Committee.

We noted that elements intent on frustrating peace in Somalia remain. We expressed concern about the threat posed to Somalia and the international community of terrorist attacks by armed opposition groups in Somalia, in particular Al-Shabaab, and we welcomed the determination of the international community to take measures against both internal and external actors that attempt to undermine the peace process in Somalia.

We expressed serious concern that 2.1 million people remain in need of sustained humanitarian assistance and a further 1.8 million at risk of sliding back into crisis, while welcoming that famine conditions have not been present since January 2012. We affirmed the need to ensure that all parties allow full, unhindered humanitarian access; to continue to support and protect humanitarian efforts, based on the principles of humanity, independence, neutrality and impartiality; and to prevent the misuse of humanitarian aid. We emphasized the need to build resilience against future shocks through sustainable livelihoods and social services for Somalis and welcomed the adoption of a three-year Consolidated Appeal Process.

We encouraged Member States, regional and international organizations to normalize their relations with Somalia, and when possibleto establish diplomatic presences in Mogadishu.

We noted the sustained and unified support of the international community to Somalia. We reaffirmed our strong commitment to supporting a more peaceful and stable Somalia, and committed to meet again to discuss concrete steps for supporting Somalia.

Ethiopia’s communication minister said government policy would remain consistent under Hailemariam, the former deputy prime minister and foreign minister who is now acting prime minister pending his swearing-in before an emergency session of parliament. The ruling party controls 546 of the 547 seats of parliament, all but ensuring Hailemariam’s ascension to prime minister.

The country’s armed forces pledged allegiance to the country’s constitution and vowed to defend it during the post-Meles Zenawi era. Meles died Monday of an unknown illness at age 57. He had ruled Ethiopia since the 1990s.

Hailemariam was appointed deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs in September 2010, right after the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front’s fourth successive election victory. A few weeks after the vote the party’s congress promoted Hailemariam as a deputy chair of the party.

Although Hailemariam appears likely to soon take the oath of prime minister, the ruling party congress is scheduled to meet in late September and will decide if he will remain in the post until the 2015 elections. Political observers say the party congress could see fierce competition for the post. One analyst said he doubted Hailemariam could win over the military and intelligence leaders.

“I believe he will face a great challenge of being taken seriously by his subordinates for three reasons. First as he never exercised real power at national level, there is little established fear and respect about him,” said Jawar Mohammed, an Ethiopian political analyst now studying at Columbia University in New York. “Second most of his subordinates are going to be individuals with longer experience and personal stature than him, which means they will overshadow him.”

Negasso Gidada, a former Ethiopian president, said he does not know Hailemariam well.

“But they must know him well and have a confidence in him that they appoint him a deputy prime minister. I have no reason to doubt that,” says Negasso, now the country’s largest opposition leader.

The ruling EPRDF, a coalition of four parties has always appointed key members of Meles’ Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front to key posts, including foreign affairs.

The change that saw Hailemariam ascend the party ranks was described by party leaders as the start of a succession plan that later saw lead party figures leave key government positions to retire or become diplomats abroad. The party said the succession plan would have come to an end by 2015 with Meles’ retirement.

Charles Stith, the director of Boston University’s African Presidential Center and a former U.S. ambassador to Tanzania, said Meles’ death could end a relatively stable period for Ethiopia.

“His death is a reminder that leaders who long to stay in office, often stay too long to allow the growth of the necessary institutional infrastructure that allows states to sustain themselves,” Stith said.

Hailemariam, who comes from Ethiopia’s south, did not take part in the ruling party’s 17-year armed struggle that unseated the country’s former Communist leader Mengistu Hailemariam in 1991.

When rebels led by Meles marched to the capital Addis Ababa to unseat Mengistu, Hailemariam was in Finland studying for a masters in engineering at Tampere University of Technology on a scholarship he received after obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Addis Ababa University.

Hailemariam said in a 2010 interview that he came back to Ethiopia because of family – his daughter had been born when he was leaving the country – and because he said there would be a better situation in the country than during the previous regime.

After returning from Finland, Hailemariam joined the country’s Arba Minch Water Technology Institute and served 13 years in different positions, including as registrar, vice dean, and dean of the institute.

After a few years as a member of the ruling party he was first appointed as vice president of the country’s southern region and later a president of the region. He gained political points as the southern region progressed economically and as ethnic stability improved.

He joined the national political scene in 2006 as and adviser to Meles, and was soon appointed as the government’s chief whip in parliament. He then became Meles’ deputy in 2010.

Leslie Lefkow, Human Rights Watch’s deputy director for Africa, said Ethiopia’s ruling party is strong, but government institutions are not, opening the door for potential instability in coming days.

“There are a number of worrying scenarios I think, particularly in the medium term,” she said. “I think it’s a crucial moment for Ethiopia’s partners – the U.S. and EU and other international donors who provide a large amount of funding – to set out their concerns that reform and human rights reform is a crucial plank of the country moving forward.”

Mr Meles was admitted to hospital in July. The nature of his condition has not been made public.

Speculation about his health began when he missed an African Union summit in Addis Ababa earlier last month.

Mr Meles took power as the leader of rebels that ousted communist leader Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991.

Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is also Ethiopia’s foreign minister, will be acting head of government, state television said.

“Even if Ethiopia has been badly affected for missing its great leader, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi initiated fundamental policies and strategies which will be further strengthened,” the TV said.

Three weeks ago, a government spokesman told the BBC that Mr Meles was in “a good condition and recuperating”, and dismissed reports he was critically ill.

The spokesman, Bereket Simon, declined to give any details about Mr Meles’ whereabouts or what he is suffering from.

Monday marks the end of eight years of rule by a UN-backed leadership structure known as the Transitional Federal Government. Somali leaders this weekend are finalizing the names on a new 275-member parliament, whose members are supposed to vote in a new president. About 24 candidates are running for president. The president will then choose a prime minister.

Many of the candidates for president — including current President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and the parliament speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden — already serve in a government that has been hammered by corruption allegations.

Behind-the-scenes political efforts involving bribes and intimidation appear to have marred the selection of the parliament. The UN has warned repeatedly of “spoilers” in the political process.

“I don’t think there’ll be a difference because the same people are still here and the election may not be fair,” said Abdinur Yusuf, a Mogadishu resident. “We only care about stability, so we pray peace will prevail and corruption will come to an end.”

Though residents can’t vote, political campaigns are still in high gear, as candidates try to win last-minute political points in hopes of leading this war-scarred Horn of Africa nation. Election posters hang on buildings and from cars.

Candidates have bought political ads on local TV and radio, and higher-end hotels are hosting campaign ceremonies. The candidates are pledging good governance and the preservation of women’s rights.

“They pledge and break promises when they are elected. That’s normal,” Habiba Yusuf, a 62-year-old refugee and a mother of four, said. “Nothing is beyond lip service for them. May Allah bring us a talented president, because without it we won’t be out of misery and insecurity.”

Augustine Mahiga, the UN envoy to Somalia, said the UN continues to receive credible information from Somali and international sources that some Somali leaders are using bribery, intimidation and violence to influence the selection parliament. He expressed “deep concern” that the board known as the Technical Selection Committee, which is helping decide who can be on the parliament, is being targeted by “negative elements.”

Some candidates for parliament have been disqualified for having criminal backgrounds by the selection committee.

Despite the pessimism from an electorate that doesn’t vote, Somalia’s future looks brighter than it has since 1991, when it descended into warlord-driven anarchy.

African Union and Somali troops last year pushed al-Shabab militants out of Mogadishu, allowing businesses, the arts and sports leagues to thrive. In recent months the coalition has been slowly expanding its area of control. But Somalia is still years away from being secure enough to hold a nation-wide vote. Al-Shabab militants still control many parts of south-central Somalia.

Earlier this month Somali leaders endorsed a new provisional constitution that expands rights for Somali citizens. The UN — which helped broker the constitution and is in charge of this weekend’s political votes — hopes that one day all of Somalia will be able to vote to endorse or reject the constitution.

Even the parliament and presidential vote is a sign of progress. Previous political meetings were held outside Mogadishu or in neighbouring countries because militants then controlled Mogadishu.

“Despite some visible mismanagement, we wish for a free and fair election,” said Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, a former prime minister and a current presidential candidate from Buffalo, New York.

Somalia’s government has done little in recent years to win the confidence of Somalis. Until last year the government controlled only a small part of Mogadishu. Though daily warfare no longer takes place, the government has had no response to criminal violence in the city. Nine media workers have been killed this year, and no one has been arrested for the deaths.

“This government has not properly dealt with the security issues other than fighting,” said Abdirahman Abdishakur, a Somali presidential candidate.

Mohamed Abdullahi, a Mogadishu resident who watches politics carefully, said that Somalia is at a crossroads and can’t afford to miss the opportunity to take a political step forward.

Victory for the 29-year-old, who won the 10,000m earlier in the Games, took the host nation’s tally of golds to 27 on the penultimate day of action.

Diver Tom Daley and boxer Luke Campbell can add to GB’s haul later on Saturday.

Team GB won their 26th gold of London 2012 earlier in the day, when Ed McKeever won his kayak event.

GB now have 60 medals – 13 more than they won at the 2008 Games in Beijing – with the promise of more to come.

Daley, who missed out on a medal in the synchronised event earlier in the Games, goes in his final at 20:30 BST.

“I’m gradually getting sharper,” said the 18-year-old. “Now I have qualified, I’m going to give it my best shot tonight.”

Campbell fights Ireland’s John Joe Nevin in the bantamweight final at ExCeL at 20:45 BST.

Usain Bolt could also claim another gold – his third of the Games and the sixth of the career after successfully defending his 100m and 200m titles – if he can help guide Jamaica to victory in the 4x100m relay final at 21:00.

The Jamaicans, who have run the three fastest sprint relays in history, also have 100m and 200m silver medallist Yohan Blake in their team and are clear favourites.

In the women’s 800m final at 20:00, South Africa’s Caster Semenya faces tough competition from world champion Mariya Savinova as she attempts to win her first Olympic gold medal.

McKeever got the penultimate day of these Games off to the perfect start for Britain by powering to victory at Eton Dorney.

“I’m so happy,” said the Englishman, who is nicknamed the ‘Usain Bolt of the water’. He added: “It sounds stupid but it’s not elation, more relief, and I’m so happy to do it front of a home crowd.”

Liam Heath and Jon Schofield also won a kayak medal for Britain, teaming up to win bronze in the K2 200m final.

“With a headwind like that, especially when you’re going at that speed, it’s really tough but I’m so pleased,” said Heath.

Hopes of another bronze for the host nation were dashed when the men’s hockey team were beaten 3-1 by Australia.