Negotiations sponsored by the United Nations and aimed at bringing the Somali government and its main political foes into direct dialogue were due to resume on Saturday in Djibouti.
The first round of discussions ended on May 16 and although the rivals did not engage in direct talks, the move was seen as a breakthrough in efforts to end a conflict which, according to international rights groups and aid agencies, has seen at least 6 000 civilians die in fighting over the past year.
Officials from the Western-backed transitional federal government and the Eritrea-based Islamist-dominated opposition were due in Djibouti on Saturday in a fresh bid to agree on common targets for the peace talks.
“I have been extremely encouraged by the progress made so far and the huge support we have received from Somalis inside and outside the country,” top UN envoy to Somalia Ahmedou Ould Abdallah said in a recent statement.
The negotiations were to receive a boost on June 2 with the visit of a delegation from the UN Security Council, which will be touring Africa over the coming week.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity for the Somali leaders to demonstrate to the international community their strong commitment and determination to restore peace and stability to Somalia,” Ould Abdallah said. — AFP