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                       British PM: Somalia Must Be Helped

   by VOA News

   British Prime Minister David Cameron is warning that failure to help
   Somalia rebuild will lead to more terrorism. Cameron spoke in London
   Tuesday as he opened an international conference on Somalia, where the
   new government is trying to restore order after two decades of chaos
   and war.
   The British prime minister said international support for Somalia is
   both urgent and necessary.
   "And to anyone who says this isn't a priority, and we can't afford to
   deal with it, I would say that is what we've done in the past, and look
   where it has got us -- terrorism and mass migration."
   Cameron said Britain will commit $15.5 million toward developing the
   Somali armed forces and $22.5 million to strengthen the police and
   train judges and lawyers.
   Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told the conference that his
   country faces challenges, including the continued threat posed by
   militant group al-Shabab, but said Somalia can thrive after a period of
   international investment and support.
   Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed
   eight people in Mogadishu on Sunday.
   The Somali ambassador to Britain, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, told VOA's
   Somali service that security is a top priority for the government, but
   added militant attacks will likely continue.
   "But definitely we're not expecting these kinds of attacks to be
   eliminated, and to be out of the picture," he said. "This is going to
   be an unrealistic ambition."
   Britain says more than 50 countries and organizations were invited to
   Tuesday's conference in London, with a focus on Somalia's plans for
   developing its armed forces and addressing political issues, maritime
   security and the return of refugees.
   It follows two international conferences held last year to support the
   country's move from a transitional government to a new parliament and
   elected president.
   Somalia had gone more than 20 years without stable central government,
   since the ousting of president Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
   African Union peacekeepers and militaries in the region have helped
   push al-Shabab out of major cities, but the militants have remained in
   control in areas of the south and still carry out sporadic attacks on
   the capital.
   Britain opened a new embassy in Somalia last month.  Turkey, Libya,
   Yemen and Iran also have embassies there.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/britain-warns-against-failing-to-help
   -somalia/1656232.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/britain-warns-against-failing-to-help-somalia/1656232.html