Somali Government clarifies deputy ministers comments on Aid

[Coeus]

The government of Somalia wishes to clarify reports carried in the media and attributed to deputy minister at the water, energy and mining ministry. The TFG has not suspended the work of any aid agencies. We support and encourage humanitarian agencies to come to Somalia and help alleviate the plight of the suffering population. The TFG would never restrict the work of humanitarian agencies as this would run counter to our declared objective of raising the Somali people from the ashes of the last 20 years.

The statement attributed to the deputy minister was misunderstood and taken out of context. He was merely expressing his frustration over the fact that aid groups had failed to attend a meeting called by his ministry to address the prevailing drought that is ravaging the country and the humanitarian need arising from it. The TFG commends the work of organizations such as UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Concern, Norwegian Refugee Council and Danish Refugee Council.

Mr Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, the Prime Minister of Somalia said: "Our foremost task is to attend to the humanitarian needs of our people. To do this we need all the help we can get. My government welcomes and is eager to help facilitate the work any humanitarian agency that wishes to join us in this urgent endeavor."

It is unfortunate that the armed opposition groups have stopped the aid workers from going about their tasks and helping the Somali people. The TFG renews its call to them to allow the aid agencies to operate freely throughout Somalia.

Office of the Prime Minister