The sixth HLP Forum on Somalia opens in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, 23 February 2016 - The sixth High-Level Partnership Forum opened in Istanbul, Turkey today, where Somalia’s partners acknowledged the massive strides the country has made in the security, political and economic fronts.

The Forum was officially opened by the President of Turkey H.E Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Somali President H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and UN Deputy Secretary-General H.E Jan Eliasson. Ambassador Smail Chergui, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security and the AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Ambassador Francisco Madeira, are leading the AU delegation at the forum that has attracted over 200 delegations from over 50 countries. 

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that due to improved security, Somalia had made tremendous progress over the last five years. He rallied support for the country in the fight against terror organization Al Shabaab. “Somalia needs support in the fight against terrorism. 

From this angle, all of us have to support the positive developments attained so far because the stability of Somalia is not only important for Somalia, but also for the region and the continent,” emphasized President Erdogan. 

The President of the Federal Government of Somalia H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud outlined the gains Somalia has made to date. He said the Federal Government had placed emphasis on improved infrastructure and the establishment of functional institutions. 

He emphasized the need for support to Somali youth, who comprise over 70% of the population; and the enhancement of social services such as education and health care. 

“Within three years of my government, we have recovered most of Somalia from Al Shabaab. We are the only country in the world that has been so successful in defeating extremism on its own soil. We have also begun the process of troop integration and the formation of a functioning Somali National Army with a national character,” stated President Mohamud. 

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General H.E Jan Eliasson emphasized the importance of the High-Level Partnership Forum. He said, 

“The next six months will be challenging both on the political and security fronts. This forum is held here to help set the direction and prioritize areas that must be tackled. It needs to be followed through with regular engagement in Somalia by all of us.” Mr. Eliasson announced funding to the tune of 2-million dollars to Somalia’s reconstruction efforts.

“ To this end, the UN Peace-Building Fund will today contribute 2 million dollars. The first such direct investment through the national window of the Somalia development reconstruction facility,” he added.

Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security lauded AMISOM for its commitment to complete restoration of peace in Somalia. He noted that the entire territory in south and central Somalia has been liberated from Al Shabaab through joint efforts between the Somali National Army and AMISOM troops. 

He explained that AMISOM troops are reviewing their strategy, especially in light of recent attacks against the troops. 

“In view of the recent and continuing attacks on AMISOM by Al Shabaab, it has reinforced our long held view that the terrorist group may be down but it is certainly not out. This regard has not been lost on us, that we need to constantly and persistently be adapting AMISOM operational modalities to respond to the asymmetric and insurgent type of conflict that has been waged by Al Shabaab,” said Ambassador Chergui. 

 END.