By Mutinda Mwanzia

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson has said the US Government would not send its military to Somalia but would offer material and financial support to the Transitional Federal Government.

Carson said instability in Somalia is a threat to neighbouring countries and the world at large.

He said the US would continue supporting the TFG and challenged African states to offer support to the Somali government.

“We urge states to honour their material and logistical support to the TFG to bring stability to the country,” said Carson.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson addresses the Press during US Independence Day Celebrations at the US Ambassador’s residence, Saturday.

On Kenya, he asked the Coalition Government to fully implement reforms.

“They should especially implement Agenda Four which envisages the reforms needed,” said Carson.

He noted the US would continue to support countries that embrace democracy and rule of the law.

“President Obama is visiting Ghana to express his support to the country that held free and democratic elections recently. This will act as a catalyst for other nations wishing to embrace democracy,” he said.

Terrorism threat

Addressing a press conference at US Ambassador’s residence in Nairobi, Carson said he had held talks with Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed during the African Union summit of Heads of State and Government in Sirte, Libya.

“We discussed many issues concerning the country and how lasting peace and stability can be achieved,” he said.

He reiterated the US government’s commitment to fighting the Al Shabaab group in Somalia, saying terrorism is a threat to world peace.

“Some of the elements in the group are linked to the bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998,” he said.

Carson, who was accompanied by US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger, challenged Eritrea to stop harbouring members of the Al Shabaab in its territory.

He claimed the group was using the country as its transit point into Somalia and sometimes as their operation ground.

He said the international community would continue to fight piracy in the East African coast waters.

He said piracy has thrived due to lack of law enforcement structures and inefficient judiciary in Somalia.

On Sudan, he urged President Omar al-Bashir to present himself to the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

Source: Standard