East African regional security and development bloc, Igad, has endorsed a decision to extend the mandate of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) for another three years.
On the sidelines of the African Union Summit, the seven-member bloc unanimously endorsed the proposal and mandated the Somalia parliament to consider it.
The TFG mandate was to end on August 2011.
Somali foreign minister Mohamed Abdulahi Omar told reporters in Addis Ababa his government will table the proposal to the Somali cabinet and parliament for approval.
The extension aims to help the transitional government to establish a full security plan to gain a control of its territory.
Mr Abdulahi Omar also urged all Somalis at home and in Diaspora to contribute for reconstruction and stability of the country.
“Forget the bad experience of the last 20 years. We should turn away from hostility and war,” he said.
Here is the Communique of the 17th session of IGAD
