Bod all set to mediate between Somalia factions

JEDDAH, 15 June — Somali Independent mediator Hussein Hagi Bod reiterated yesterday his efforts to present his peace initiative to the opponents of the President Abdi Kassim Salad Hassan.

A high level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Osman Jama Ali and some warlords opposed to the transitional government in Mogadishu, arrived on Wednesday in Addis Ababa upon invitation by the Ethiopian government.

Bod, the chairman of the Somali Consultative Council, had earlier rejected Hassan’s government.

But in December of last year he signed an agreement with the government, and pledged his commitment to be an independent mediator between Mogadishu and opposing political forces.

“I will meet the political faction leaders, and will try to submit them my initiative, which is aimed at averting possible renewed civil strife,” he told ARAB NEWS from Addis Ababa.

“The mediation attempt between the government and its dissidents, would be a major step forward in trying to settle peacefully all differences through dialogue and negotiation, in the efforts to free Somalis from the obstacles hampering the advancement of peace and reconciliation,” Bod said. “I have already presented my peace plan to the government of President Hassan. On their side (the government) has indicated to me their willingness to promote a dialogue with their political opponents.”

Ethiopia hosted in March a meeting by Somali warlords who announced the formation of common front against Hassan’s administration.

The front is called Somali Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SRRC). Mogadishu has repeatedly accused Ethiopia of backing armed opposition fronts and deploying troops inside Somalia. Addis Ababa has denied the charges.

Asked about the role of neighboring Ethiopia in the search of peaceful settlement to Somalia’s problems, he said, “Ethiopia has openly declared that it wants to take part all the efforts to resolve the crisis in Somalia. I hope that the very clear understandings will be reached by two governments. This would be bring a new future for all Horn of African region.”