Somalia's future to be discussed at London conference
Baku, February 23(AZERTAC). The threat from terrorism and piracy in Somalia are among the issues that will be discussed at a conference in London on the future of the country.
Representatives from 40 countries will attend the event, aimed at devising a common approach to a country blighted by years of civil war and famine.
The leaders are expected to agree money for schools, hospitals and the police.
The UK has described Somalia as the "world’s worst failed state" but said it needs a "second chance".
Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, among a number of senior government figures attending the event, has warned the country is at a "critical juncture" and needs more international help.
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Ethiopian leader Meles Zenawi and UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon are among the leaders due to join the discussions.
On Wednesday, the UN Security Council approved a resolution increasing the number of African Union (AU) troops in Somalia by 5,000 to more than 17,000. Council members also agreed to extra funding for the mission and to extend its mandate.
At the same time, Ethiopian and Somali troops took a strategic stronghold in the south-west of the country held by militant group al-Shabab, which controls parts of the country and recently merged with al-Qaeda.
Somali leaders have said its challenges cannot be solved by military means alone and a parallel focus is needed on boosting humanitarian aid, education and law and order.
Somalia’s prime minister told the BBC that his country was at a "crossroads" and needed a massive injection of money.
"It is at a very critical juncture in its history," Mr Ali said. "We are moving from an era of warlordism, terrorism, extremism and piracy and we are moving into an era of peace, stability and normalcy.
But a spokesman for al-Shabab told the Somaliland Times that "Britain must realise that the Muslims have long rejected British imperialism and the futility of their renewed attempt is obvious".
Despite being forced out of the capital, Mogadishu, last year, it has continue to stage suicide attacks in the city.
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