Political conflict cannot be solved through violence, says Somalia president

MOGADISHU - Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud believes political conflict can be settled without necessarily using violence, noting that instability has dragged development in many countries, which were doing better decades ago in terms of economic success.

In reference to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine within the Gaza Strip, Hassan Sheikh insisted there is a need for a two-state political settlement, adding that such an approach will give a lasting solution.

According to him, Somalia, which has been battling with terrorism and political instability, is on the brink of survival following help from the African Union and the Arab World. To this effect, he said, Israel and Palestine should embrace dialogue to end the debacle.

“As Somalis, we have been in an environment of violence for a long time. We know where the violence ends up, the consequences, and the result at the end of violence. No one can reach a political end by means of violence. It cannot happen,” he said.

Adding, “There is a worldwide accepted solution. Two states, Palestine and Israel, live together side by side, peacefully. And it can happen. It’s possible. Why don’t we go ahead with that?”

Since October, Israel has been at loggerheads with Hamas in Gaza, following the death of over 1,400 people at the hands of the Palestinian group. It is believed that since then, over 11,000 people mostly civilians and children have been killed through Israeli rockets.

Somalia has been critical of the situation in Gaza, calling for an urgent solution to end the conflict. Although the United States has been calling for a ceasefire, Israel has refused, insisting that "the death of our children must be accounted for".

“It’s not about religion only, it’s not about Arab only, and it’s not about regionalism. This is humanity. Children are dying. Mothers are suffering. Innocent civilians are suffering,” Mohamud stated.

GAROWE ONLINE