The 20th meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia (ICG) was held under the chairmanship of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Mr. Augustine Mahiga, from 29 to 30 September 2011 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The opening of the meeting was addressed by the Danish State Secretary Ambassador Ib Petersen, the Somali Speaker of the Parliament Shariif Hassan Sheikh Aden, the Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and the African Union’s High Representative former President Jerry John Rawlings.
The ICG expressed its deep concern about the drought and famine, which is causing widespread suffering for Somalis. It called on the international partners to continue contributing to lifesaving activities and sustainable livelihood activities, which will contribute to reducing the impact of future disasters.
ICG members noted the Kampala Accord of 9 June and welcomed the outcome of the recent Consultative Meeting in Mogadishu. It congratulated the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs), Puntland, Galmudug and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a for their collaboration and agreement on the Roadmap. The ICG underscored the need to maintain political commitment by the Somali stakeholders to implement the Roadmap, and support by the international community in line with the principles of inclusivity, transparency and shared responsibility.
The Group welcomed the progress made on the security front by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces and expressed its deep appreciation for AMISOM, in particular the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs). The members also paid tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives in Somalia.
The ICG noted with grave concern the continuing aggression by Al Shabaab especially in Gedo and Lower Juba, which has resulted in loss of life. The Group strongly condemned Al Shabaab’s attack on Dobley and Garbaharey, which took place while the ICG was in session, and called on Al Shabaab and other forces to renounce violence and join the peace process.
The International Contact Group thanked the government of Denmark for hosting the meeting, and welcomed Djibouti’s offer to host the next meeting in January 2012.
Download Full Final Communiqué
110930- ICG Communiqué (Copenhagen)
110929- PM statement to ICG (Copenhagen)
110929 – SRSG Opening Remarks to ICG (Copenhagen)
Somalia: Final Communiqué of the 20th meeting of the ICG on Somalia
Published: September 30, 2011
