WRITTEN QUESTION E-2994/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(29 October 2001)

Subject: Terrorist threat in Somalia

They are recent reports that Somalia, the scene of a tribal war which has now been going on for years and in which children are deployed in the front line, is now regarded as a rogue State, that is a State which, because of the presence of governments with links to Islamic fundamentalism, might have contacts with terrorist organisations, in particular with bin Laden's al-Qa'ida. On 5 October the Washington Times reported that the US intelligence services had uncovered arms trafficking to Somalia organised by members of the al-Qa'ida network. This situation will exacerbate the humanitarian problems of Somalia, which has one of the highest rates of infant mortality.

Furthermore, the government of President Abdulqassim Salad Hassan is not recognised by the majority of the Somali people or by the international community and, in view of the serious crisis facing the world as a result of the tragic events in the United States, can the Commission indicate whether:

1. it is aware of the situation in Somalia?

2. it has conducted investigations, using the intelligence services of the Member States, to identify countries which constitute a terrorist threat of which Somalia is undoubtedly one with a view to taking the necessary countermeasures?

3. humanitarian aid programmes in favour of Somalia are being implemented?

4. if so, how effective is this aid and how it is distributed throughout Somali territory?

5. what measures it intends to take to help Somalia return to democratic normality through free elections leading to the creation of a federal State, given that regions with a considerable degree of autonomy already exist, such as Somaliland and Puntland, whose moderate populations do not accept the fundamentalist position of the central government?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(11 January 2002)

1. As a result of the prevailing insecurity in Mogadishu, the Commission's Delegation was forced to close down its offices in 1993 and subsequently set up the Community Somali Unit in Nairobi. Nevertheless, the Commission is, in general, well aware of the situation in Somalia. As the country's major donor, the Commission has been able to collect direct information from the field and is in contact with major Somali political actors. Furthermore, the Commission benefits from an extensive exchange of information with the Member States as well as with major donors throughout the SACB (Somali Aid Co-ordination Body) in Nairobi.

2. The Union is currently examining a number of issues concerning the implementation of Resolution 1373(2001) of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. The freezing of funds and other financial assets or economic resources of those engaged in terrorism, is one of the measures to combat or prevent terrorism foreseen by that Resolution. In this framework, it will also be decided against which persons, entities and bodies these measures should be applied.

Meanwhile, the funds of a number of persons and entities suspected of being engaged in terrorism have been frozen in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 467/2001 prohibiting the export of certain goods and services to Afghanistan, strengthening the flight ban and extending the freeze of funds and other financial resources in respect of the Taliban of Afghanistan(1), including those of certain persons, entities or bodies in Somalia (See in particular Commission Regulation (EC) No 2199/2001(2)).

A strategic reflection on the role of different countries that are suspected of supporting terrorist groups is being carried out and may, in due course, lead to the imposition of sanctions against such countries.

3. Yes. Since 1994 Community co-operation in Somalia represents, on average, 30 million per annum.

4. A mid-term evaluation of the first rehabilitation programme launched in 1994 concluded that the living conditions of a significant segment of the population have improved tangibly.

A series of successful projects and programmes have been implemented in such key areas as livestock, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, etc.

In livestock for instance, 144 veterinary professionals have so far been trained on a country-wide basis, in order to contribute to improve animal health and to boost livestock exports and further training support is planned for what is the mainstay of the economy.

In Southern Somalia, irrigation canals have been rehabilitated, allowing to increase considerably maize, sorghum and sesame production on over 30 000 hectares, directly benefiting the livelihood of over 10 000 families.

In education, a major secondary education programme in North-eastern and North-western Somalia has complemented a comprehensive primary education programme, raising enrolment in secondary schools in those regions, from 1 000 students in 1999 to 3 200 today.

The peace dividend approach has been the underlying strategic approach of the Community based intervention in Somalia. Given the circumstances, the aid flow has been more significant in Somaliland and Puntland than in the South. Community aid is directly channelled to the beneficiaries, in general through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and UN agencies and does not directly benefit any political force.

In June 2001 the allocation by region of the current projects and programmes was the following:

>TABLE>

5. The Commission's initiatives in Somalia aim to restore normal conditions of life and to favour the emergence of an organised and peaceful society focussed on human, social and economic development. In this context, the re-establishment of the authority of a democratic State would play a crucial role. The Commission believes that the fundamental political choices have to be made by the Somali people itself with a view to implementing a sustainable political solution taking into consideration local and regional balances. In this sense, a federal State could be a helpful option to re-shape a new Somalia.

The Transitional Government (TG), in place since last year, represents the outcome of the Arta peace process which was welcomed by the Community and the international Community. However, the Union and major donors are not ready to recognise the TG as the official Somali government. In fact, not only is its control over Somalia still rather limited (including in Mogadishu), but its political base also appears rather narrow, as a significant number of political forces refuse its authority. The Commission favours the continuation of the national dialogue among moderates of all factions including the TG with a view to enhancing the peace process. Should a credible peace agreement be achieved, the Community could envisage providing, as a first step, technical and institutional support to representative bodies of Somali society, with a view to restoring a peaceful and democratic State.

Nevertheless, the future evolution of Somalia remains to a large extent unpredictable; sound programming therefore has to be short-term and flexible, allowing for frequent revisions in response to socio-political changes. Consequently, a detailed commitment forecast covering several years would be unrealistic. At present the Commission is appraising a new annual work programme focussing on four clusters of activities: (i) enhancing good governance; (ii) reduction of widespread vulnerability; (iii) access to social services; (iv) economic growth and diversification.

(1) OJ L 67, 9.3.2001.

(2) Commission Regulation (EC) No 2199/2001 of 12 November 2001 amending, for the fourth time, Council Regulation (EC) No 467/2001 prohibiting the export of certain goods and services to Afghanistan, strengthening the flight ban and extending the freeze of funds and other financial resources in respect of the Taliban of Afghanistan and repealing Regulation (EC) No 337/2000, OJ L 295, 13.11.2001.