Help Somalia

The Right Honourable Paul Martin
Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Prime Minister,

After fourteen years of the absence of all forms of law and order in Somalia, there is a renewed optimism. Somalia and its people now have a government. Yet, without the help of the international community Somalia will remain a failed state.

Canada has demonstrated its commitment to being a world leader in peace keeping, and the fight against poverty, hunger, and disease in the developing world and Africa in particular.

The Somali population in Canada exceeds 100,000 and represents the largest community of African descent within our nation. The Somali-Canadian community believes that Canada should change its "wait and see" policy towards Somalia, and act immediately in supporting the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG).

I urge you to show bold international leadership by leading the way in supporting the Somali government's efforts to create peace and stability through the rule of law and the establishment of good governance. I believe the Government of Canada should take the following steps in order to facilitate the peace and reconciliation process already begun in Somalia:

• Immediate and full diplomatic recognition for the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia;
• Appoint a Special Envoy to Somalia;
• Support Somalia in its efforts to rebuild by offering the services of experts in federalism and good governance;
• Support Somalia in its efforts to reconstruction and institutional development by creating Somalia Reconstruction Trust Fund;
• Help in safeguarding the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia;
• Help in the creation of a national police force in Somalia using the expertise of the RCMP.

We feel the time has come, under Your Excellency's leadership, to use your good offices and influence in the House of Commons to help the Canadian government understand what is at stake in the Horn of Africa. I appeal to you, to support discussions and actions that will lead to the healing, restoration and reconciliation of Somalia.

Thank you for your favorable consideration,
Yours Sincerely