London Somalia Conference 2017: Security, humanitarian aid tops agenda

Somalia

An international conference on Somalia opens today in London, the capital of the United Kingdom (UK). It is organized under the auspices of the UK and the United Nations as part of efforts to put Somalia back on track.

The Horn of Africa nation is currently suffering from insurgency by the Al-Shabaab group plus piracy on its coast, there is currently a humanitarian crisis that is threatening the lives of thousands. Political reforms and the economy will also feature at the event.

The conference will convene Heads of State and Government from across East Africa and other key partners, along with senior figures from international organisations and takes place at the Lancaster House. The first two editions of the conference were held in 2012 and 2013.

The main agenda for the conference

‘‘The Conference will focus on the Somali security architecture that the federal government must agree with the federal member states including what the future of the Somali National Army should look like, and how to counter terrorism while protecting human rights,’‘ the UK government said on its website.

It will build on the international response to the ongoing drought and attendant humanitarian crisis in the country

It will also agree on a new international partnership aimed at keeping the country on course for increased peace and prosperity by 2020.

The UK will co-host a major conference with UN and the Government of Somalia today. More info: https://t.co/q8o69Tkjau #FutureforSomalia pic.twitter.com/t9xZ4EBEcf
— DFID (DFID_UK) May 11, 2017

Who and who are attending?

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo arrived in London a day before the main event. Some leaders of the Horn of Africa region have also joined the conference. Amongst others:

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is also in attendance.

President .KagutaMuseveni accompanied by the First Lady JanetMuseveni
arrived in London, United Kingdom for a two day working visit. pic.twitter.com/2rJ0yNFTeN

— State House Uganda (@StateHouseUg) May 11, 2017

In London to take part in the 3rd London Conference on Somalia which will focus on accelerating the progress of security reforms in Somalia. pic.twitter.com/Mf2t3shljU

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) May 11, 2017

PM Hailemariam & the First Lady lead the #Ethiopia|n delegation who arrived in #London for the #SomaliaConference #FutureforSomalia #Somalia pic.twitter.com/zubas0A3gc

— Ethiopian Embassy UK (@EthioEmbassyUK) May 9, 2017