Initial Reaction by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to the Sanctions Committee Monitoring Group Report

UNITED NATIONS, March 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by H.E. Prof. Buri Mohamed Hamza, Minister for Environment of the Somali Republic, on the Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia to the United Nations Security Council:

"The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia would like to thank the Security Council for receiving us and providing an opportunity to offer comment on the contents of the report of the Somalia Monitoring Group (SMG). We are grateful for the unwavering support that the Security Council has extended to the Somali government and the people of Somalia. The UN has been instrumental in contributing to the progress made by the TFG to date in confronting the many security and humanitarian challenges that we face. The current Government believes that, thanks to the work of the UN, the World Food Program, and non-governmental and private-sector participants, we have made considerable strides in promoting humanitarian relief and other efforts toward containing the Somali crisis.

"The TFG has taken note of the report and would like to offer two initial observations:

"(1) while the underlying purpose of the SMG is founded on just intentions, its current report has resulted in severe unintended consequences, and (2) the manner by which the report was disclosed prematurely to the media has undermined the overall credibility and integrity of the process. The reckless thrusting of the report onto the front page of a major newspaper, which has a strong validating effect, has adversely impacted the very victims that were to be served in the relief efforts at issue by hindering the donation, and impeding the continued delivery, of humanitarian aid.

"Let me be clear at the outset: The allegations reported by the SMG are gravely serious and must be given further investigation to determine their truthfulness. As a result, the Prime Minister of the TFG has appointed a high-level Commission to independently and promptly review each of the claims reflected in the report. The Commission includes a balanced selection of independent professionals of high integrity who will render an objective evaluation of the real issues. The TFG is committed to undertaking appropriate action against any officials, individuals or organizations found to be engaged in criminal misconduct or other acts discrediting the government and people of Somalia. However, we will take action only on the basis of substantial material evidence.

"The TFG, alongside its national and international stakeholders and partners, is engaged in earnest and critical efforts to address the country's security and economic situation. We are concerned that the SMG report undermines these efforts by failing to give sufficient consideration to the tense and complex environment within which the Government of National Unity of Somalia operates. Below we offer an initial reaction to some of the misguided and unsubstantiated allegations observed in this report:

"1. The characterization of the conflict in Somalia as a rivalry among clans is inaccurate. It is now widely recognised that clan rivalry is no longer the dominant issue it once was. The present conflict is between a legitimate government trying to establish inclusive and representative institutions to bring peace and stability, on the one hand, and criminal terrorist groups with foreign agendas committed to undermining traditional Somali values and keeping the country and the region unstable, on the other.

"2. The report claims that there is no real structure to the TFG's security sector. The reality is that there is a clear policy and organization supported by strong political will and determined leadership, as well as by effective international technical assistance. We have spent a high proportion of our limited resources during the past year rebuilding the security sector in Somalia and have received praise from many quarters in the country for our efforts.

"3. The report alleges that eighty percent of TFG personnel defected to the extremists. This misguided and inflammatory claim is completely unsubstantiated and bears no correspondence to reality. It appears deliberately designed to cause a reaction that will inevitably impede the significant progress made to date by the TFG. In point of fact, the greater weight of defections appears to be moving toward rather than away from the TFG.

"4. The claim that extremists obtain their arms from TFG military forces by seizure and purchase is also exaggerated to such a degree that it calls into question the motives inspiring the SMG. While there may be isolated incidents of this nature, there is no such pattern and no basis for this destructively provocative claim.

"5. The report alleges that 'the MG has learned that activities of rebel groups and pirate militias have been facilitated by widespread immigration fraud, often facilitated by government officials of Somalia.' This is a very serious accusation for which no credible evidence has been produced and which again causes us to question the report's underlying motivations. We will request proof supporting this charge.

"6. Allegations against some prominent business people in the report appear to systematically, and perhaps vindictively, misrepresent events. Many of the allegations appear to be based recklessly on unverifiable sources, and we understand that a number of the claims were immediately refuted by the World Food Program.

"Notwithstanding these reservations, the Transitional Federal Government concurs with the report's conclusions that relate to:

"1. Eritrea's continuous delivery of arms, cash, and training to the extremists in Somalia through intelligence agents and diplomats;

"2. The genesis of piracy being attributable to the problems on land and that the solution lies in better equipping the country's security institutions; and

"3. The need for an independent investigation. We strongly embrace the call for an objective inquiry to be based upon specific, credible witnesses with sufficient corroboration and upon dedication to a level of due process commensurate with the seriousness of the issues and scope of human suffering at hand.  

"In concluding this initial response, and in advance of the final analysis of the high-level Commission appointed by the Prime Minister, the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic respectfully urges the Sanctions Committee to carefully review the findings of the SMG report and test the reasonableness and accuracy of its findings. We believe that the report's unfounded allegations severely undermine the efforts and credibility of our Government and its nascent institutions and have a deleterious impact on the well-being of the people of our country.

"In closing, we have noted that resolution 1916 (2010) adopted by the Security Council on March 19, 2010 has authorized the extension of the mandate of the SMG for a further twelve months. In this connection, we wish to inform the Security Council of our wish that the Sanctions Committee be fully attentive to the sensitivities of the Somali people and their Transitional Federal Government in light of the pain and suffering that have been endured over the past two decades.

"The Monitoring Group must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Somalia. Moreover, it must not take upon itself the liberty of meddling in the internal affairs of our country. Any attempts to micro-manage Somalia will certainly backfire and damage peace efforts. Notwithstanding, we wish to reaffirm our desire to cooperate with the Security Council and its subordinate organs in a spirit of full transparency and mutual respect.

"I thank you for your attention and offer my assurances of the highest respect for your strenuous efforts in this difficult situation."

SOURCE Somali Mission to the United Nations