Museveni, Ban ki - Moon discuss Somalia, Sudan

By Vision reporter

President Yoweri Museveni has called for the strict implementation of the principles of border policy to resolve the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, use the international practice to solve the oil charges and follow the Nairobi accord to solve the issue of the marginalized groups in Abyei, Kordafan and Blue Nile.

Museveni also urged the United Nations Security Council to hold people accountable in implementing agreements to solve conflicts.

Museveni was meeting the UN Secretary General Ban Ki – Moon at the sidelines of the second International Conference on Somalia, held at the Istanbul Convention Centre.  

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Somalia during which the President called for more support to Somalia in relief aid, infrastructure repair and building strong pillars of the state. He pledged to provide 300 dedicated guard forces to provide security for the UN operations in Somalia.

On the issue of LRAs Kony, Museveni appealed to the United Nations and to the United States of America to help supply surveillance and mobility equipment, night vision equipment, including airlifts and helicopters.

“We captured Kony’s commander because they decided to communicate by radio. That is how we got them quickly. Initially they had abandoned all means of communications,” he said.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon hailed Museveni for his commitment in the fight against Kony and for the recent capture of one of Kony’s senior commanders, adding that the United Nations will do anything to assist in dealing with the LRA.

He also called on president Museveni to support the UN operations in Somalia by providing about 300 force guards for their presence in Somalia while moving in and outside Somalia.
“Most of our operations have been shifted from Kenya to Somalia. After August we shall increase our presence. Our security should be supported,” he said.

Ban Ki – Moon also commended Museveni and Uganda for the contribution to the peace efforts in Somalia through AMISOM.

“Thank you for what you have been doing. Somalia has come to this point because of your contribution through AMISOM. We hope that your direct engagement will ensure peace and stability,” he said.

He pledged to engage the international community to step up their support to Somalia.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem.