Somalia factions sign truce, agree on Ethiopia conditional withdrawal

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

May 10, 2008 (DJIBOUTI) — The Somalia government and its main political rivals on an UN-sponsored peace talks in Djibouti on Monday signed a three-month cessation of hostilities accord.

“The two sides have agreed to end all acts of armed confrontation for an initial period of 90 days but renewable then after.” A statement of the deal released to reporters said.

“The truce will come to force in 30 days from the signing day” it said.

The deal also envisages that Ethiopian troops pull out of Somalia within 120 days on conditions that the UN deploys sufficient troops in the war torn of the east African nation.

Following yesterday’s land mark agreement there is no any official statement made by the Ethiopian authorities at this very moment.

The rivals have asked the United Nations to deploy peace force from friendly countries of Somalia-excluding neighboring states during the provided period of time.

The parties have also asked the international community to provide funds for the implementation process and consider convening an international reconstruction and development conference in 6 months time.

Ethiopia, east Africa’s strong military make-up, in 2006 deployed its forces in Somalia and ousted Islamists who were in thirst of building Islamic rule, from south and central parts of Somalia where the country currently is enjoying a relative peace and stability then after.

A contingent of 2,200 African peace keepers has made a little head way in stemming the conflict.

Some hardliners have repeatedly rejected any peace talks and demanded Ethiopia’s pullout before they sit for any peace-talks.

(ST)