Taako Man Posted March 12, 2007 American-Somali “Evening of Hope and Dialogue” in support of the Transitional Federal Government Hiiraan Online Sunday, March 11, 2007 Washington, D.C. (HOL) - A large conference and a dinner reception organized by the members of the American-Somali Community in the Greater Washington area was held on Friday, March 9. The event, American-Somali “Evening of Hope and Dialogue” was attended by 250 community members, diplomats, and officials. Attendees heard from Somali and non-Somali experts, diplomats, and community members on the importance of supporting the Transitional Federal Institutions. On key notes, Ambassador Vicki Huddleston who was the US Charge d’Affairs (2005-2006) in Addis and one of the most knowledgeable experts on the current Horn of Africa issues spoke of the opportunities that lie ahead for Somalia. Ambassador Huddleston encouraged Somalis to move towards political reconciliation and beyond conflict. Amb. Huddleston stated that Somalia has real chance to stand on its feet and the world is ready to help. Other Speakers included Ambassador Elmi Duale, the current Somalia Representative to the United Nations. Ambassador Duale briefed the audience on the on-going deployment of African Union troops (AU) and ongoing UN consultations. He reported an estimated 4,000 AU troops are expected in Somalia within the coming few days to participate in the AU peacekeeping force. Dr. Mohamud Nur presented various development, reconstruction plans and reviewed past Needs Assessments conducted by the World Bank and funded by the European and US donors. According to the presentation, an estimated $2.2. billion could be invested in Somalia as soon as key conditions are met. Other speakers included Professor Ahmed Nassir, Abdihakim Faqi, and Fadumo Omar Hashi, and Abdalla Hirad and other well respected community leaders who inspired the audience to move away from petty power struggle and factionalism and move towards restoring Somali nation-statehood and restoring its dignity. Speaker after speaker, the leaders reiterated the importance of dialogue and reconciliation and denunciation of violence as a means to achieve power. In short, the audience was excited to support the Transitional Federal Institutions as the way forward. According to one of the speakers, one can “reform and improve the TFG [Transitional Federal Government], but you cannot fix an anarchy,” and encouraged that Somalis should not lose yet another opportunity. Somali poetry, songs and entertainment decorated the evening from none other than reknowned Somali artists including Mohamud Sangub, Antar Naji, Saado Ali, Ahmed Ali Egal. On a lighter note, the music and the songs that shook Cyrstal City Sheraton were a demonstration of Somali art, oratory, and culture that touched the memories of the cheering crowds. At the conclusion of the program, the Prime Minister of the Somali Transitional Government Ali Mohamed Gedi phoned in to address the audience. The Prime Minister promised to work with all Somalis, and reassured that all those in the Diaspora one day will see peaceful, prosperous Somalia again and thanked the audience. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
