A parallel meeting of Somali elders is designed to give the proceedings legitimacy. Unlike the previous 12 failed peace plans, the Djibouti initiative aims to sideline the warlords and faction leaders who have dominated and destroyed much of Somalia in recent years. This has upset the warlords. Mr Stephen said some reservations were understandable. What is happening is causing a lot of apprehension.
People know that something is moving.
They want to be part of it. That is human, that is normal for any ambitious leader in any society but it doesn't mean we have to give up or write things off. Nonetheless, it is a risky strategy. When the Djibouti peace plan was launched last September, tens of thousands of ordinary Somalis poured into the streets to demonstrate their support. They have since deluged Djibouti with letters of advice, which the symposium will sift before making its recommendations.