Open Letter to President Obama on Somalia.

From The Center For Somali Solutions International

A Somali Americans Diaspora Organization.

May 15, 2009

President Barak Hussein Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We wish to express our deep concern about the recent tragic developments in Somalia and our belief that a new, Strategy is needed from the United States and the international community.

Many Somalis have strongly supported the role of the AMISOM forces since their initial deployment. Given the most recent fighting, however, it appears that the African Union peacekeeping operation does not have the adequate resources or capabilities to restore security to this war-torn country. In the absence of a strong peacekeeping force, the Shabab militants and its foreign fighters have engaged actions to overthrow the government that was legitimately elected in Djibouti.

The peace efforts to bring the rebels in to Unity government have been unable to proceed as scheduled, and major armed conflict has returned to Mogadishu. We believe that a long-term resolution of conflict in

Somalia cannot be effectively realized without the strong involvement of the international community and the United Nations. We, therefore, urge you to propose and advocate among the other members of the U.N. Security Council the

Augmentation of the existing U.N. mission into a peacekeeping

Force to be sent to Somalia as soon as possible. the force, which should be drawn from interested African states, Muslim world including Indonesia that has pledged troops, should be placed under the authority of the United Nations. The United States can play a role in providing appropriate transportation and logistical assistance.

In our view, the presence of a more robust U.N. force Could bring about a cessation of the current round of fighting and could help create an environment in which humanitarian assistance and implementation of the political transition process outlined in the Djibouti agreement can resume.

The United States has a long an unique relationship with Somalia and her people during and after the cold war. For this reason, United States has responsibility to take the lead in helping formulate ways to address this tragic situation. Continued terrorist activity and hostilities in the country will only add to the humanitarian disaster and lead Somalia to become Haven for terrorism with increased regional instability. Accordingly, United States have a compelling national interest to take a more active role in securing peace.

Sincerely,

Mahdi A Haile

Executive Director

Center For Somali Solutions international