Gabbal Posted September 3, 2003 The international community and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) have been urged to take tough measures against Somalia warlords if the ongoing peace initiative to succeed. Somalia presidential candidate, Al Haj Mohamed Yassin, said the activities of the warlords should be curtailed if any progress is to be made in the peace process . "As we resume the reconciliation process, there is need for the stakeholders to act tough on the warlords as there will be contentious issues like power-sharing, which will be discussed," he said. Yassin was speaking during a Press conference in Nairobi yesterday. He said despite the two previous peace initiatives being marred by a lot of problems, they had made some achievements. "But there is no way the leaders of the warring factions can be reconciled if they are allowed to operate as they wish and continue amassing wealth and weapons back home," Yassin said. The 52-year-old businessman called for the active involvement of Somalia's tribal leaders in the peace talks, saying the group was neglected in previous meetings despite being the key to the efforts. He said the traditional leaders should be the ones to select individuals for the transitional parliament and not faction leaders. "The warlords are benefiting from the ongoing war and they will not allow the power-sharing initiative," said Yassin. He said Somalia citizens wanted peace but were being "held at ransom" by the warlords. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
