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23 January 2008
Ambassador Yates Discusses U.S. Involvement with Somalia
Ask America webchat transcript, January 23
Ambassador John Yates, the secretary of state’s special envoy for Somalia, discussed Somalia’s prime minister, Cabinet and security, as well as U.S. involvement with the country, in an Ask America webchat January 23.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
The U.S. View on Current Events in Somalia
Guest: Ambassador John Yates
Date: January 23, 2008
Time: 7:00 a.m. EST (1200 GMT)
Moderator: Good morning / day / evening. Today is January 23, 2008. Welcome to our webchat with Ambassador John Yates. The webchat will begin today at 07:00 EST / 12:00 GMT / 15:00 Nairobi.
We appreciate your many questions and comments. The Ambassador will attempt to address as many of them as possible during the 60 minutes session. Following the webchat a full transcript will be available at http://www.america.gov/multimedia/askamerica.html
Ambassador John Yates: I'm pleased to be here today, and thanks for joining us. Let's get started.
Question [Ali Sheikh Ahmed]: Ambassador Yates, the Transitional Federal Government is facing a couple of daunting challenges. These include terrorist inspired rebellion in the south, esp. in and around Mogadishu, the Somali national capital, and a clan-based secession in the northwest. Still, they have been able to streamline the government and work for peace and national unity. What specific steps is the US taking to help the TFG build capacity towards better, more democratic governance?
Answer [Ambassador John Yates]: Thank you for the thoughtful question, and I’m sure the TFG appreciates your recognition of their efforts to date. We have confidence in the Prime Minister and his new, lean Cabinet, and welcome the Parliament’s overwhelming approval of that Cabinet on January 9. Regarding specific steps the United States Government is taking to help the TFG, the United States is by far the largest single donor to Somalia. That aid goes not only toward humanitarian activity, but also democracy and governance programs and support for security programs, especially through AMISOM. That aid will be continued and we will work with the new Cabinet and President Yusuf to improve its benefit to the Somali people. We are in close contact with the Transitional Federal Institutions on a daily basis. Our missions in Nairobi and elsewhere in the region, as well as our Washington-based colleagues, are all very active in working on capacity-building for the TFG.
Q [Jama]: Mr. Ambassador, How do you see the Somaliland administration’s invasion into Lasanod, the capital of Sool region? Did you talk to them (Somaliland) about their aggression towards the pro-unity communities in Sool and Sanaag regions? What is the official US policy towards the territorial integrity and unity of the Somali Republic? Thanks
A [Ambassador John Yates]: We’re talking to parties on both sides of this conflict, seeking to help broker a peaceful resolution in the near future. Armed conflict is never the way to make a point, and this case is no exception.
While the United States does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state, we continue regularly to engage with Somaliland as a regional administration and to support programs that encourage democratization and economic development in the Somaliland region. We have consistently voted for United Nations Security Council resolutions reaffirming respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia.
Q [Chat Participant]: Your Excellency Ambassador John Yates, WILL THE UNITED STATES HELP TFG AND IT’S NEW PM WITH FUNDS? THE NEW PM IS CORRUPTION FREE AND WILL DO HIS JOB BUT ONLY IF HIS GOVERNMENT HAS MORE MONEY THAN THE ABOVE GROUPS. I BELIEVE ALL THESE NAIROBI BASED ORGANIZATIONS (..TOURISTS) WHO CLAIM TO BE DOING GOOD FOR SOMALIA SHOULD BE MOVED TO BAIDAO. SECURITY IS A NON-ISSUE HERE.. THANK YOU
A [Ambassador John Yates]: We are constantly assessing the security situation not only in Baidoa, but in all of Somalia. We look forward to the time not only when Somalis can function in their country without fear of either violence or repression, but when we – your international partners – can do so, as well.
As to your questions about funding, the United States is the largest donor to Somalia. We contribute not only directly, but through organizations such as the UN, AU, and a multitude of NGO’s. I assure you that we’ve dedicated significant resources to assisting the TFG over the past several years, and we will continue to do so. I personally agree that organizations with interests in helping Somalia should, to the extent possible, be based within Somalia.
Q [Huriwaa]: Dear Ambassador Yates Greetings from Seattle... in recent month there was war between Puntland and Somaliland which resulted Somaliland's capture of Lasacaaanod in the Sool region of Somalia. This war also caused the displacement of one hundred thousand people which threatens a catastrophic human lost. Is there any way, Mr. Ambassador, that you can secure humanitarian assistance to that part of Somalia? Abdihakim Hassan Seattle, WA
A [Ambassador John Yates]: We've already answered several questions on this war, but on the question of humanitarian assistance, please be assured we are actively engaged with the international community in providing all possible assistance to all the victims that can be reached. In this capacity, we continue our role as the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Somalia. We continue to hope for a quick resolution of the dispute that will permit the affected people to return to their homes. That should be the objective of all parties.
Q [Chat Participant]: Your Excellency,
The American involvement in the Somali situation has never been productive to make any difference. This might be due to ignorance or negligence on the part of American foreign policy. Somalia is at crossroads. It will either embark on course that leads to further chaos and uncertainty or one that leads to pacification and reinstatement. The key to these alternatives is enabling the current TFG or not. The American involvement in Somali politics has never been clear-cut on these options. Why is the American foreign policy dilly-dallying on enabling the Somali transitional Federal government? Or is there a secret American agenda on the Somali plight and wants to maintain the current status quo for its vested interests?
Thank you
Abdirahman O Warsame
A [Ambassador John Yates]: Your point about Somalia being at a crossroads is a good one. No one’s interests are served by instability in Somalia. We are doing all we can to enable the TFG to move forward with the transition, and also achieve a just and lasting security in the country. We’re optimistic about the two remaining years of the TFG’s mandate. We’ve made no secret of our engagement with the TFG. We’ve provided more aid than any other country. As I’ve stated before, my team in Nairobi is at the fore of a multi-faceted U.S. Government effort to assist the TFG as much as possible to achieve their mandate by 2009.
Moderator: If you are just joining us, welcome. We are taking your questions now. The Ambassador is reviewing and responding to your questions as quickly as possible.
Please be patient, there are many questions coming in.
Q [Yussuf2]: Dear Ambassador John Yates, I would like to thank you by given us this chance to communicate with you to rise our concern and update you what exactly has been happening after Somaliland's only supported tribe(Isaaq) invaded and terrorized violently Sool Sanaag and Cayn regions of northern Somalia on October 15 2007. Sool Sanaag and Cayn regions was one of the few remaining areas in Somalia that was stable, peaceful and was not affected by the civil war. 1- Mr. Ambassador: As an American ambassador to Somalia what is the U.S. reaction to this invasion? And what actions is the U.S. going to implement to reverse this situation?) 2- Why is the U.S. continually ignoring this humanitarian crisis facing inhabitant of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions? Are there currently any U.S. policy discussions on the table to redress this humanitarian crisis in Sool Sanaag and Cayn regions? 3-Why is the U.S. opted to be silent against this ethnic cleansing? Mr. Ambassador, the daily atrocities commuted by the Somaliland militia and its occupation force include rape, torture, murder, intimidation that speeds up their ethnic cleansing program. This is the time that the U.S. government needs to show leadership in two areas: 1. The USAID should immediately have people on the ground to assess the extent of the humanitarian needs of the victims and implement rapid relief program that does not come via Somaliland which won’t pass it on to the victims, but USAID should be responsible to directly address this through punt-land. 2. The U.S. government through the State Dept should use its global influence and leadership in forcing the Somaliland militia in leaving the Sool Sanaag and Cayn regions through the threat of withholding the U.S. provided development funding if it does not stop this war crimes. Mr. Ambassador: Once again we appreciate your good intention and effort to over come Somalia’s crises. Yours Truly, Yusuf
A [Ambassador John Yates]: Please see our answer to horufadhi, who asked a similar question earlier.
Q [horufadhi]: Dear Ambassador John Yates, I want to thank you and those who created this medium that gives us the opportunity to share our concerns and ask you some personal as well as policy related question and answers.
I am from the Sool Sanaag and Cayn Region of northeastern Somalia. Since the invation of our regional capital in Las Anod on October 15 2007 by the so called somaliland militia, more than 100,000 of my fellow tribesmen (Dhulbahante) have been driven from their homes in Las Anod and are currently refugees in open air camps not far from their homes. I am well aware of what the U.S. policy is towards this so called somaliland republic and therefore will not waste your time on that. What I cant understand is, why is the U.S. continually ignoring this humanitarian crisis facing my fellow tribesmen? The USAID has various undertaking with Somaliland, why are both the State Dept. and AID have not shown any leadership and have been publicl silent in stopping this ethnic cleansing? In your opinion, is being silent and not stopping this ethnic cleansing while at the sametime increasing the funding for the aggressors the new U.S. vision of peace and security for this helpless region?
Yours Truly,
Mohamed Ismail
A [Ambassador John Yates]: Thanks for your question, and we’re pleased you’ve joined us today. I have to point out first that your characterization of the situation as “ethnic cleansing” sounds far-fetched given that clans and sub-clans seem to be shifting alliances often. But the crux of your question is U.S. response to the violence in and around Los Anod. We have not ignored this conflict. We have been engaged with both sides in encouraging a mutually acceptable resolution. USAID has been active in that region through their partner organizations. We have undertaken diplomatic efforts to alleviate the situation, and we will continue to do so. This is an unfortunate situation in already-volatile country; we need to see an end to all military action by both sides and resolve the problem peacefully.
Q [Ahmedi]: Dear Mr Yates,
As the situation in Somalia worsens by the day, not only in Mogadishu but country and coupled this with the crisis in Kenya the UN hub in East Africa, would you admit that your government's policy on East Africs is totally failed because your government support in violance democracy in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and so on? and How is your view of the process of the creation of Southwest State of Somalia which is currently is being negotiated by the elders of Digil and Mirifle?
Thanks
Ahmed
A [Ambassador John Yates]: In the interests of full disclosure, we’ll publish your question, but I’ll note outright that I disagree with your premise. Our policy in East Africa is certainly not “totally failed,” and lumping all of Africa’s concerns together is simplistic, at best. The United States government is working hard at every level to maintain constructive engagement with our partners on the African continent. We’re hopeful about the future of Somalia and its neighbors. If is important to understand that it is not for the United States Government, United Nations, or other outside forces to “fix” the problems of sovereign states. We and others might help, but a real solution can only come from the parties themselves.
Q [issa]: what did you think the [prospects are for] stability and peaceful of somalia?
A [Ambassador John Yates]: I think Ambassador Ranneberger put it nicely in some December radio interviews that you might have heard. He said that the Somali people need to come together, rather than looking outside of Somalia’s borders for a solution to their internal problems. If everyone, regardless of political affiliation, geographical location, or ideology, who wants to participate, joins the TFG to create an environment of constructive engagement, we’ll be well on our way to a stable and peaceful Somalia. The focus needs to be on supporting the government rather than finding problems that might exist. The people have to determine that they’re going to make this happen, if we are going to have a chance of success.
Q [Mr. Mohammed]: My name is Muktar Mohammed, I'm one of millions who are sceptical about American foriegn polocy world wide, I would like to ask Mr. Yates following three short questions, Somaliland is considered by many a stable, peaceful, democratic, with free juridical institutions, If this is what USA is seeking in solamalia, why do not they support such institutions already in Somaliland, You have been In this office for about 6 months or more, and you have not been to Somaliland, what is decouraging you to go there and engage proper and meaningful talks with Authorities in that country, If Its security issue many believe Hargeisa is more safe than Nairobi, do you agree with that Thanks Muktar Mohammed London
A [Ambassador John Yates]: In the year since I was appointed to this position by Secretary Rice, I’ve spent a great deal of time studying and engaging with entities in the Somaliland region, even though, as you note, I haven’t traveled there. Our USAID office here in Nairobi supports projects in Somaliland and has done so for a number years, precisely because it was a region where productive activities could be programmed even when they could not be in most other parts of Somalia. I look forward to an overall situation of peace and security in all of Somalia, permitting us to work and promote vital programs throughout the country.
Q [Dahir Jibreel]: Creating trained, equiped, paid and disciplined national military and police forces is first step and undoubtedly the most crucial element in reconstituting a functioning and self supporting government. Lessons learned from Iraq and Afganistan ilustrate this fact.
What specific actions is US itself, and through other friendly governments, plan to do about this basic benchmark? Do you have an schedule in mind?
A [Ambassador John Yates]: Part of our aid to Somalia is geared toward the security sector. We are always aware of lessons from other parts of the world, including the two you mentioned, Iraq and Afghanistan. After seventeen years of veritable chaos in Somalia, the creation of a professional military and police is a monumental undertaking. While I won’t comment on specific actions or a specific schedule, rest assured that we recognize the need to establish and train military and police forces as part of the rebuilding of Somalia. We’re working with the TFG and partner countries on this effort.
Q [Dirir]: MR Ambassador, thank you to give us this opportunity, us we know Somaliland has selfdeclared her independance of the rest of Somalia in 1991,since then this contry have made a lot progress in diffrent front but unfortunately never obtain recongnition,what is the real position in kind of recognition vis-a-vis Somaliland? Thank you again Mr Ambassador.
Rachid Dirir
A [Ambassador John Yates]: As we've noted in another answer to Jama, the United States does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state, but we continue regularly to engage with Somaliland as a regional administration and to support programs that encourage democratization and economic development in the Somaliland region. We have consistently voted for United Nations Security Council resolutions reaffirming respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia.
Moderator: Welcome to those of you just joining us. The webchat is in progress. Ambassador John Yates is reviewing and answering your questions now. When he completes an answer it will appear on this screen.
Q [majori]: what do you think about the non respect of human right in africans' countries and what kind of recommandation can you make? thanks you. Miss N'guessan Marie from Cote D'Ivoire
A [Ambassador John Yates]: The non-respect for human rights at any time, on any continent, is lamentable. We want to continue to work toward a world in which the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, drafted over 60 years ago, is respected by all governments and all peoples.
Q [Abdihakim Aynte2]: Thanks Mr. Amb.
Thanks for your continued support of our beloved country. I think, my comment fits to the most young generation of my age who lost their hope due to the on-going confilct. US is single most powerful nation in the world, and the only vital player of Somalia as well as of the entire region. I can assure you that your country (US) can handle the current situation of Somalia more then any other country can do. becuase of the wider young Somali people wherever they are belived that only your country (US) can bring peace and justics to the Somalia people if you are honest broker who'd like to see Somali stands its foot. Mr. Amb, i can assure to the best of my knowledge that Ethiopian presence of inside Somalia would only jeopardize the stabilit of Somalia and also the region. Beleive me, no body of Somalia young people would enjoy the Ethiopian envsion of Somalia as they see "Imperlist occupation".
Thanks
Abdihakim Aynte
Comment [zfaraha]: The US policy makers should see the recognization of Somaliland as the top solution in horn of africa because there is an inherent culture of the somalilanders to be peace lovers and if somaliland prospers, the rest of the horn will follow suit. It is the best interst of Ethopia as well as the USA. somaliland has deep cultural and traditional way of being people of trustworthy and loyal to their word. Somaliland has already suffered 30 years abuse and in no way, will they ever join the rest of somalia. So why prolong the agony and hardship. Thank you
C [Ilwaad]: I believe that it will be critical to hear from the Somalis in the Diaspora, who are in favor of Ethiopian intervention in Somalia, because they are the largest groups in the Diaspora. This Diaspora group Supports the policies of US government towards the TFG and their allies Ethiopians. This US policy of supporting the TFG and their Ally to bring back Somalia from the Ashes is appreciated by majority of SOmalis in Somalia and Those in Diaspora.
Thank you US government for standing by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG), because the TFG is the last hope for Somalis everywhere. Please continue to Support the Somali leaders President Abdullahi Yusuf and Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein.
C [Nabaddoon]: There are five clans in Somaliland, the Isaaq form a plurality since they live almost entirely within the former British Somaliland, while the disputed region's four other clans extend into the rest of Somalia and are against unilateral independency of Somaliland.
Moderator: Welcome to those of you just joining us. The Ambassador is reviewing your questions now.
Q [Chat Participant]: How does Ambassador Yates view the impact of the post-election political crisis in Kenya on future reconciliation efforts in Somalia?
A [Ambassador John Yates]: I think it remains to be seen what effects the current situation in Kenya will have on Somalia’s transition. What is certain, as Ambassador Ranneberger has stated repeatedly, is that the situation in Kenya is one that has be solved by dialogue between the parties.
Q [Buhodle]: what is reason of somalia state's collapse are complex? why somalia the missed opportunities there should have been enough international organizations and states who should help? somalia was a former close ally of the united state and maintained good relationwith its two former main colonizers britain and italy aslo, somalia was a memerber of the islamic country why they moved seriously to help somalia and what is the complex the relation mentioned trustship? by abdi sahardid
A [Ambassador John Yates]: As you’ve said, Somalia is complex. We have seen fourteen attempts to create a Somali government in the past seventeen years. It’s my impression that the TFG has resolved to maintain relationships with international partners who hope to see them through to stability and prosperity. Nonetheless, as I’ve said before and often, the “heavy lifting” has to be done by the Somalis themselves. If they cannot find the wherewithal to live together with those sharing the same culture, language, religion, and history, then all the attempts by the international partners are certainly doomed to fail.
Q [Badow]: I want to enlight The Nothern somalia the Honorable Ambassador
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Declaration from the Sool Sanaag Cayn Regions Conference
At Boocame, Sool, SomaliaNovember 23, 2007
As a reaction to the invasion by the militia of the secessionist enclave calling itself Somaliland, otherwise North West region of Somalia, and their occupation of Lasanod, capital of the Sool region of Somalia, on 15 October 2007, the traditional leaders (Isimmo)of the Dhulhantae clan, inhabitants of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions of Somalia, have called for a grand emergency clan conference to be held in Boocame in order to deliberate on this matter, and come up with an appropriate, collective response to this unprovoked and unacceptable aggression by one renegade secession-seeking clan of Somalia on the peace-loving unionist Dhulbahante clan.
Q [Dalmar]: Thanks Ambasaddor yates for giving us this opportunity. I would like to ask you about Us's Humanitarian aid to Somalia. Do you think you are helping those who are responsible the instability in Somalia while delivering Aid directly to those forces who are responsible anarchy chaos and bloodshed in Somalia with out TFG knowledge or coopration. Do you think as someone earlier mentioned it would be wise to work with your aid agencies to work with TFG and register and have abase in Baidoa so that you are not undermining the governments capacity. The other question is whe have not seen any direct Aid towards the Internally dispalaced people in Sool region other than the aid you directly funnelled to those forces who displaced them (Somaliland).
A [Ambassador John Yates]: Simply put, our goal is to help all people in need.
Q [Omar Faruk]: What role can the International Community play to protect Somali journalists and uphold freedom of expression in Somalia?
A [Ambassador John Yates]: Our role is twofold: We are engaged with the TFG to encourage them to promote an environment that respects freedom of the press. We consider incidents of violence against journalists with utmost gravity. Respect for freedom of the press is a priority for us. Secondly, we are engaged with serious journalists who are determined to contribute to a vibrant media environment in Somalia. These journalists are both inside and outside of Somalia, but they all have in common a passion for their work and a passion for contributing to the democratic exchange of ideals in their country.
Q [Omar Faruk]: Due to your responsibility to advocate human rights, freedom, and democracy in Somalia, what message for Somali journalists would you like to pass to them today?
A [Ambassador John Yates]: My message to Somali journalists is to keep up the good fight. We’ve spoken out forcefully on several occasions condemning the violence against journalists in Somalia, which has been cited as second only to Iraq in terms of danger to media working in a country. We have intervened with TFG authorities to ameliorate the conditions of individual journalists and the media as a whole. We’re also engaged with Somali journalists both within and outside of Somalia.
A free and fair media is a vital part of a democratic society, and we cannot stand by if freedom of expression is threatened. A vibrant media environment is an integral part of the transitional period. The memories of the eight Somali journalists murdered in 2007 are not far from our minds as we work to ensure freedom of expression in Somalia. We look forward to further engagement with journalists who are determined to continue their journalistic pursuits in Somalia.
Moderator: Welcome to everyone just joining us. Ambassador Yates is reviewing your questions now. Thank you for your patience.
C [Yusuf2]: Thanks for USA help to Somali Govrament.
I am Somali, in Denamrk, we need only Somali Peace, normal with out Al-Shabab. Alqacida etc.
Q [Omar Faruk]: What were your expectations of Somalia's political transition?
A [Ambassador John Yates]: We’re intent on remaining engaged with the TFG for the remainder of its mandate, which extends through 2009. The TFG has a defined set of tasks, spelled out in the Transitional Federal Charter. They’re well aware of our hope that they’ll achieve these tasks by 2009. The overriding concern is getting Somalia into an environment of stability and order by 2009, with a political system in which all Somalis can participate and in which they feel they have a stake. For that to happen, we have to see significant progress on the peace and security fronts.
Q [Geeska Afrika News Paper2]: Dear Mr. Ambassador Somaliland is stable since 1991, when it broke out from Somalia. Somaliland made Parliamentery Elections, local govermental elections and presidential elections. They were free and fair elections. So why the US don't dare to give diplomatic Recognition to Somaliland.? Or is there any underway process in your goverment about Somaliland Issue? Geeska Afrika News paper, Hargeisa, Somaliland
A [Ambassador John Yates]: No country has recognized Somaliland to date. As we’ve stated on multiple occasions, we believe leadership on issues within Africa such as Somaliland’s independence should be from the African Union. As the State Department spokesman said in Washington just last week, that policy hasn’t changed and there are no plans to change this policy.
Q [xaaji]: there is at least handreds of thousends of somalis in yemen who live in the lowest live pagging in the streets and have no basic rights, so what are the us gov intentions to help these ppl.. known that the yemeni gov takes over all the un denotions to these somalian refugess and relocates it to it is army . you can see UN logo on yemeny meletry dresses and plankets...
A [Ambassador John Yates]: I don’t presume to speak for the situation in Yemen, but it is certainly a sad state of affairs when Somalis have to risk their lives to find safety and work by undertaking a treacherous voyage across the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea. Our primary objective is to support the TFG and help create conditions in which Somalis can live and prosper in Somalia itself.
xaaji: if somaliland is allowed to seperate from the rest of somalia then i guess puntland and kismayoland and mugdisholand will do the same...
A [Ambassador John Yates]: We support the Transitional Federal Charter’s mandate to the Transitional Federal Government to complete the process of creating a federal Somali state by 2009. Depending on the decisions of the drafters of the Somali Constitution, it is indeed conceivable that the regions you cited could be jurisdictions, whether states, regions, or other legal entities, within a new Somalia.
Moderator: Participants in today's webchat are welcome to join our series of online webchat disuccions at "Ask America." Learn more about these discussions at our Ask America homepage:
http://www.america.gov/multimedia/askamerica.html
Q [FarahJama]: IF United states recognised Somali GVMNT why don't You open your embassy in Mogadishu?
A [Ambassador John Yates]: We would like nothing better than to have the conditions within Somalia that would permit reopening of our embassy in Mogadishu. In fact, that is a goal I'm working toward. As you probably know, our embassy was looted and largely destroyed in the early 1990's and the security conditions have not yet advanced satisfactorily to permit us to make the decision to reopen.
Unfortunately, also, as you know, for much of its tenure, the TFG has not been able effectively to establish itself in Mogadishu. We salute the recent decision by Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein to move to Mogadishu with several members of his Cabinet, and fervently hope that the Shabaab and other spoilers will permit them to function there. All Somalis, whether pro- or anti-TFG, should be interested in having a government in the capital that can deliver effective services to the population and to complete the transition to a permanent federal government under a new constitution by 2009.
Moderator: Dear participants. We are approaching the end of our alloted time for today's webchat. The Ambassador will review the remaining questions and post final answers shortly.
Q [Abdi]: Luck of Financial and logistic support are delaying rest peacekeeping deployment in Somalia? What effort US government and rest of world doing to help to Stabilize Somalia country
A [Ambassador John Yates]: We have, frankly, been disappointed both by the lack of response from other African nations to send troops to Somalia in support of AMISOM and also in some segments of the international donor community to provide sufficient resources to support the full projected complement of 8,000 AMISOM troops. The two batallions of Ugandans who have been in Mogadishu since early 2007 have done an outstanding job and we expect the recently-arrived Burundians to continue in the same manner. For your information, both the Ugandans and the Burundians have been financed largely by the United States Government.
We look forward to the early arrival of the promised Nigerian and Ghanaian forces to help in stabilizing the capital. In the meantime, we and other international partners are attempting to implement effective programs to train up professional Somali security forces to maintain long-term stability.
Ambassador John Yates: Thank you for joining us today. I hope we can continue the dialogue in future sessions. And I hope that all Somalis online today, those within Somalia and the Diaspora, can support the efforts for a peaceful transition to a stable government and return to normalcy.
Moderator: We wish to thank Ambassador John Yates for joining us today. The webchat is now closed.
A full transcript of today's webchat will be available on our Ask America homepage usually within one business day.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
