Somali Presidential Candidate Unveils ''Somali Security Strategy''
New York, NY (MMD Newswire) April 18, 2012 -- Maine resident and candidate for President of Somalia, Said Issa Mohamud, has announced a plan to unify peacekeepers and create the conditions for economic development in his homeland. Entitled the "Somali Security Strategy," it is a first step in normalizing life for the residents of this failed state. Mohamud created The People Party of Somalia to compete in the first democratic election held in his homeland since the civil war.
The unveiling of the "Somali Security Strategy" comes on the heels of an uptick in violence. On April 4tha female suicide bomber detonated a bomb killing 10 at the National Theater in Mogadishu as the Prime Minister was giving a speech. On April 9thanother bomb killed 12 outside the capital.
"Before investment can flow to Somalia, before good jobs and opportunities can be created, the favorable conditions from which these come must be created," Mohamud said. "First, security and the rule of law must be established. This is why I am announcing my plan to bring security and stability to Somalia. Only sustainable security that protects Somalia's sovereignty can lead to political stability and prosperity for all people in Somalia."
Mohamud's "Somali Security Strategy" is comprised of 5 key components.
1. Military operations alone will not succeed in defeating piracy, armed rebellions, anarchic warlords, and hegemonic secessionists. Parallel efforts must be made to: Fight against poverty and illiteracy; protect public services and economic development projects in order to rehabilitate the basic economic sources for business; agriculture, herding, and fishing; and strengthening economic ties benefits the people of Somalia and those in all bordering countries and helps ensure a peaceful and respectful coexistence.
2. Establish and equip astrong Somali national force to secure peace and stabilize the country. Somali forces are better suited to fight in rural areas where they do not feel alienated and are able to collaborate with local residents.
3. Unify African Union and other peacekeepers for the duration of their involvement and include neutral African countries, namely Uganda, South Africa, and Nigeria. Countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom must play an important role in the logistical support to peacekeeping elements. Peacekeepers should provide technical assistance to Somali forces in the use of heavy equipment, and must provide direct tactical support to Somali National Forces when necessary. An exit plan must be in place, however, that guarantees all foreign troop will leave the country within four years. Somali's must never feel as though they are under foreign occupation.
4. NATO forces must play an important role to insure that Somali and African peacekeepers do not violate human and civil rights. Rules of engagement must be established which treat all Somalis with dignity and respect. Today many Somalis do not feel respected by foreign troops. This makes cooperation on security issues with local communities very difficult.
5. Peacekeepers must work with Somalia's new government to unify the country under one set of laws. Today various regions operate under their own system of governance. Peacekeepers must also help implement the return of over three million refugees living in the West. These people bring with them strong social values of equality and justice, as well as valuable new skills.
Mohamud has already had discussions with leaders from neighboring countries, members of the UN, and prominent business leaders in the U.S. "If we can accomplish the elements outlined in my security strategy, Somalia will see brighter days on its horizon," Mohamud noted. "I am committed to implementing this strategy for the benefit of all the people of Somalia."
Mohamud left Somali in 1991 when the government collapsed, and moved his family to Maine. There the former Chemistry Professor continued educating himself and enrolled in the Leadership and Organizational Studies program, with a concentration in Political Leadership, at the University of Southern Maine. Mohamud is keeping a demanding schedule which now includes meeting with those in the U.S. who are interested in seeing Somalia rejoin the international community. He returns to continue campaigning in Somalia in May.
Media Contact: Daniel Odescalchi Tel: 845-453-2528 Email: press@peoplepartyofsomalia.com
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