NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25 – The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Summit on Somalia meeting in Nairobi has proposed the establishment of a multi-donor trust fund for Somalia to help in the reconstruction of the country.
In his opening remarks to the summit, President Uhuru Kenyatta said it was crucial that lukewarm support around Somalia becomes a thing of the past.
“Mobilization of the financial resources is a crucial component to the rebuilding of social and economic infrastructure in Somalia and in this regard I propose the establishment of a trust fund for the reconstruction of Somalia under the auspices of IGAD. Such a fund would mobilise resources for the provision of adequate housing, education facilities, healthcare centres and livelihood activities among others and I urge the international community to join us in this initiative,” President Kenyatta urged.
He further lobbied humanitarian organisations to start working in Somalia.
On his part, Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo also pledges to oversee a prudent financial management system in the country.
“Too often we have seen too many projects implemented without the knowledge, let alone the consent of the Federal Government, this shall not continue. My Administration will empower relevant line ministries to cooperate with you and we will hold each other accountable to achieving declared objectives,” he said.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Desalegn said his nation will keep her doors open to the refugees but also asked other countries to do the same.
African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki appealed for aid to Somalia to deal with drought and humanitarian crisis while the European Union Representative on Somalia said the Somalia’s allies must cease the moment and move from talk to action.
“We must do this when Somalia faces the perfect storm of drought and possibly famine, of displacement under the continuing affect of a terrorism campaign – that assaults part of your country – that should not be an excuse not to do something, it gives us more the reason to be galvanized, focused to deliver results fast,” said the EU Representative.
At the same time, President Kenyatta has pledged to help Somalia in the fight against Al Shabaab militants and support and train government workers.
Kenya has also agreed to train 500 Somali men and women in different economic fields including teaching, nursing, and administration, to help in their country’s rebuilding and recovery.
The Head of State said plans to close the Dadaab Refugee Camp by the end of May, but he committed his government will build a training institute at the camp to educate high school graduates.
“Kenya will establish a technical training institute for youths currently in the refugee camps as well as the environs of Dadaab and this I believe will greatly help in providing these young men and women the necessary skills they will require to develop and grow Somalia,” said Kenyatta.