Somalia’s future may be determined by the ability to share a common vision of the country’s future but also agreement on how to get there – the methodology of the “peace process.” The “Roadmap” for Somalia is not at all as aged as the Roadmap for Middle East Peace. In the end though, both still have to be proven and to show that they have the support of the parties involved. “The message is clear: the Roadmap is the way forward and spoilers seeking to derail the process will not be tolerated,” according to Augustine P. Mahiga, (Top Photo), the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, in an letter addressed to all the people of Somalia. According to UN reports, “the Roadmap – adopted at a consultative meeting held in the country’s capital, Mogadishu, in September – spells out priority measures to be implemented before the current transitional governing arrangements end next August, in the areas of security, the drafting of a new constitution and reconciliation. (Middle UN Photo- Mogadishu Participants in Conference on Roadmap). It also seeks to lay the foundation for good governance, and calls for coordinated international efforts to ensure implementation.” (READ – “Two Somali Regions Agree to Agree to End Conflict” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/somalia- “While the UN and the international community is offering whatever assistance it can, it is ultimately up to you the Somalis to determine whether or not the roadmap succeeds. Political participation and engaged, constructive dissent is welcomed by UNPOS [UN Political Office for Somalia] and by the international community as a whole. But there is no place for those who work to unravel years of work advancing the cause of peace in Somalia. I believe we are all working towards the same ends – to make Somalia a safe, secure and prosperous country once more. The roadmap will not solve all of the problems, but it is a central part of the solution and I look to all of you to help make it work,” Mr. Mahiga argued. (Read Somalia Unsafe for Everyone?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/somalia-unsafe-for-everyone-mogadishu-suicide-bomb-by-ambassador-mo/35782). The role of the international community has been important in addressing the famine. (Read: -“UN Response Somalia” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-response-somalia-by-ambassador-mo/40545). However, the meddling of international and regional powers has dramatically contributed to the conflict, suffering and famine. (READ - “Political Culpability for Famine” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/political-culpability-for-famine-by-ambassador-mo/34826). It may be wise to embrace this “Roadmap” or perhaps it is not a plausible alternative. It will never be an ideal settlement and defining the Somali state and its sovereign interests and territory is the first step on a much longer journey that will go beyond this immediate Roadmap. What about the ethnic Somali’s in neighboring countries, as in the Ogaden? (Read: - Why Ogaden Isn’t in the News: Is the Wool Being Pulled Over Our Eyes?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/why-ogaden-isnt-in-the-news-is-the-wool-being-pulled-over-our-eyes-by-susan-sacirbey/33764). While I would encourage all Somalis to take a risk for peace over the status quo, I would be hesitant to lecture them or certainly threaten. Somalis have suffered due to their own failure to grasp lost opportunities as well as the exploitation of their situation by others. See Film Report: – MARCH 2011 – “War Without End-Somalia” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/war-without-end-somalia/26982 ) (Bottom UN Photo – UN/African Union mandated Uganda troops in Somalia) By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX More at “Humanitarian Channel” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/humanitarian