Charles Tannock, author. – Mr President, last Sunday on the 58th anniversary of Somalian independence, four civilians were tragically killed by mortar attacks in Mogadishu. The next day, seven more were injured by a roadside bomb. Both attacks have been attributed to the Jihadi terrorist group Al-Shabaab. On what should have been a weekend of celebration and hope for the Somalian people, there was more killing, more bereaved and broken families, more fear and terror.

For over two decades, these recurring tragedies have blighted the Somali nation. The civil war and unchecked terrorist activities, as well as corruption and mismanagement, have left 80% of the Somali population in dire poverty, with two million living as refugees.

The lack of food is a reality for millions on the verge of starvation, but, in spite of all this, under President Mohammed’s government the country is inching towards some stability – but there is still much more work to be done. If Somali security forces are to be up to the task following the withdrawal of the UN Amisom troops in 2020, then state military capability, security and financial governance must be strengthened.

The international community and the EU must continue to do what it can to promote lasting stability and peace in this very fragile nation in the Horn of Africa.