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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO: 12 (CO73E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1-2012 OF 6 MARCH 2012
Mr DV Bloem (COPE-FS) to ask the Minister of International Relations and
Cooperation:
1. Whether South Africa recognises Somalia as a sovereign state; if not, why
not; if so, what is the current state of affairs regarding (a) diplomatic
relations with Somalia, (b) the status of recognition for Somali refugees
entering the country for asylum and (c) the protection of Somalis in this
country;
2. Whether there are any forms of official Government exchanges or direct
relations with the current ruling regime in the said country; if not, why not;
if so, what are the relevant details;
3. What is South Africa’s contribution to the developments in Somalia?
REPLY:
1. Yes. South Africa does recognise Somalia as a sovereign state. Somalia
has for the past two decades been plagued by internal strife that has
resulted in the most unusual state of affairs, which has not been conducive
for the creation of stable and effective Governments. In spite of all the
extreme challenges, Somalia still remains a full member of the United
Nations and the African Union. As such, the country continues to enjoy full
rights and duties accorded to sovereign states under international law.
South Africa does not have official diplomatic representation in Somalia.
Equally, the Somali Transitional Federal Government does not have
official representation in South Africa. South Africa conducts its
engagement with Somalia through the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.
The South African High Commission in Kenya is the focal point for all
interaction between South Africa and Somalia.
The question regarding the status of Somali refugees entering South
Africa and their protection in this country is a matter that falls within the
area of jurisdiction of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees in coordination with the South African Minister of Home
Affairs. It is my view that the Minister in charge of that portfolio would be
best placed to offer a comprehensive answer to the question.
2. Yes, there are official exchanges between the South African Government
and the Transitional Federal Government at a senior level. The latter is
internationally recognized as the legitimate authority in Somalia in
accordance with the decisions of the African Union and United Nations.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has recently
initiated the process of establishing diplomatic relations with Somalia by
submitting to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia a draft
agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations for their
consideration. A positive reply has been received from the Somali
authorities in this regard. A visit to South Africa by the Somali Minister of
Foreign Affairs is planned and it is expected that the agreement will be
signed during that visit.
3. South Africa is of the opinion that a political solution is the only option to
resolving the situation in Somalia and continues to encourage all
stakeholders, who still remain outside of the peace process, to participate
in the talks to ensure an inclusive Somali owned process and solution.
Consequently, South Africa is in the process of exploring ways to assist in
capacity building activities for key Somali ministries which includes
assistance in the areas of governance, peace-building, constitution
building and capacitating the judiciary.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation attended on 23
February 2012 an international Conference on Somalia hosted by the
United Kingdom. The gathering afforded South Africa an opportunity to
reiterate its position and call for an inclusive Somali owned peace process.
While some members of the international community hold the view that
military intervention will help stabilize Somalia, South Africa continues to
utilise its own acquired experience that it is political negotiations that will
result in lasting and meaningful peace.
South Africa has also been active in responding to the humanitarian
situation in Somalia by offering aid and logistical support to efforts by
SADC countries aimed at combating the humanitarian crises in Mogadishu
and other parts of Somalia
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