Topic: Situation in Somalia
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Madeline Hawk
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Egypt position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
Somalia has been without a central government since 1991, when President Siad Barre was overthrown during a civil war. The United Nations responded to the crisis in Somalia by deploying the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) I in 1992 in order to moniter the ceasefire in Mogadishu (the capital city) and escort deliveries of humanitatian supplies to distribution centers in the city. UNOSOM II was established in 1993 to establish a secure environment for humanitarian assistance in Somalia and lasted until its withdrawl in 1995. In 2004, the Transitional Federal Governemnt (TFG) was formed in an attempt to create a functioning governemnt for Somalia. Since then, Islamist groups, piracy and the ongoing 6 year drought have caused death in war-torn Somalia. Islamist insurgent groups (linked to Al-Queda) control most southern and central areas of Somalia, while the capital, Mogadishu, and a few small cities is supported by UN-backed government. The Arab Republic of Egypt has collected donations to purchase food, water, shelter, medication and other supplies from areas close to the border of Somalia to help the drought-striken Somalis. Egypt has sent aid-convoys carrying doctors and volunteers, as well as raised money for Somalia via social networking sites. Egypt also takes in Somalia refugees, making up 17% of the refugees living in Egypt.We have also called meetings with Arab countries that border the Red Sea to combat the Somali piracy that takes place there, though there is still much more to be done.
The Arab Republic of Egypt seeks to create a peaceful solution to the crisis in Somalia. The piracy, drought, war, and famine contribute to the danger in Somalia, and Egypt has played an active role in an attempt to achieve national reconciliation and to urge dialogue between the TFG and the Union of Federal Courts. Egypt has contributed in efforts for reconciliation in many ways: a reconciliation conference held in Cairo in December 1990 and several others in October 1993, March 1994, and a conference on peace in May 1997. Egypt has also joined many committes set up by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and Egypt is a supporter of the Nairobi Deal to help achieve stability in Somalia. Egypt believes that steps should be taken for dialogue between the TFG and the Union of Islamic Courts should be maintained. Egypt believes the international community must unite to solve the crisis in Somalia while protecting the soil from potential division.
The Arab Republic of Egypt can find its allies in the Arab League, which shares similar beliefs in a continuance of dialogue between the TFG and the Union of Islamic Courts. The Arab League holds a base in Mogadishu to help negotiations between the TFG and Union of Islamic Courts. The Arab League has also promised humanitarian aid for Somalia, promising to use its missions in Mogadishu to provide relief, food, water, and medicine to those affected by the famine. The Arab League has also urged the United Nations to send peacekeepers into Somalia to help reach a state of peace and stability.
The Arab Republic of Egypt recognizes the crisis present in Somalia as one of utmost importance. Egypt believes that with the help of continued negotiations, international aid, peacekeepers, and humanitarian aid, a better life in Somalia can be found. With efforts to end the civil strife and bring relief from famine and drought, Somalia can be a country that will one day stand on its own.
