Remarks on Somalia and 2007 Travel to Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya

I had three primary objectives for this trip: mobilize international support to help build the governance capacity of the Transitional Federal Institutions; move forward with the deployment of an African stabilization force in Somalia; and encourage inclusive political dialogue between the Transitional Federal Institutions and other key Somali stakeholders. On the first objective, we made significant progress during the meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia, during which the United States made an initial "down payment" of $40 million in new assistance for Somalia. Our donor partners agreed to also work to identify additional resources. On the second objective, Uganda has offered to deploy 1500 troops, the African Union is already working on plans for a more robust stabilization force, and Foreign Minister Tuju plans to travel to five African countries next week to seek additional troop contributions.

The remaining challenge is our third objective - the political process. The statement of President Yusuf to the Contact Group was a positive step, but the statements of the TFG leadership must be matched by positive actions inside Somalia. We have made clear that we see a role in the future of Somalia for all who renounce violence and extremism. Over the course of the last few days, I have encouraged the leadership of the TFIs to make clear through statements and actions their commitment to an inclusive process of dialogue and reconciliation. The TFIs must reach out to key groups inside Somalia, including clan leaders, business and civil society, women's groups, and religious leaders, among others. These groups, particularly those in Mogadishu, must also demonstrate their willingness to engage with the TFIs and to work together constructively. This dialogue must move forward very quickly to reach a sustainable solution, on the basis of the TFG Charter, that will stabilize the current situation in Mogadishu and allow all components of the TFIs to relocate to the capital. Along with our international partners, the United States will remain engaged in supporting this much-needed process of inclusive dialogue.