ISTANBUL – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Saturday for the world community to support the current Somalia government as the best chance to stabilise the chaotic country. The fragile Western-backed transitional government of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed only controls a small area of Mogadishu, with the help of African Union troops, and faces near daily attacks from Islamist rebels. "The Transitional Federal Government represents Somalia's best chance in years to escape from the endless cycle of war and humanitarian disaster," Ban told the Political, Security and Reconstruction Conference for Somalia in Istanbul. "The only way to restore stability is to support this government - both in its reconciliation efforts and, where necessary, its fight against extremism," he said. The government is beset by near-daily attacks from the Islamist al Shabaab group, which Washington terms as al-Qaeda's proxy in the region, and Hizbul Islam, another hardline group. Ban called for the authorities in Somalia to overcome their differences. "I urge the Somali authorities to demonstrate the will and commitment to work together, resolve their internal disputes, and unite against the threat of extremism," he said. Somalia has been mired in violence and lacked effective central government since the overthrow of a dictator in 1991. Islamist fighters have waged a three-year insurgency that has killed more than 21,000 people. Ban called on the government to deliver improved services to the Somali people, pay salaries to the security forces fighting on their behalf and continue efforts to build up security sector institutions.
