US to slap travel ban on persons fighting Somalia transition

By RAWLINGS OTIENO

The US Government has threatened to issue visa bans and freeze assets of those undermining the transition process in Somalia.

US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson said: “We will not hesitate to freeze assets for spoilers both within the Government and outside. All leaders in Somali must be committed to bring peace and form a stable government.”

Carson also said the ongoing security operations in Somalia by Amisom would lead to the achievement of peace across the region.

He was speaking during a Press briefing at a Nairobi hotel after visiting Mogadishu, Somalia, to assess the security situation.

Amisom
He reiterated that the US would continue to support Amisom to get rid of the Al Shabaab terror group.
Flanked by US Ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration, Carson acknowledged that significant progress has been achieved.

The term of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) ends in August. It was established as one of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) of government as defined in the Transitional Federal Charter adopted in November 2004 by the Transitional Federal Parliament.

The new roadmap, brokered by representatives from the United Nations, is based on four major benchmarks: Security, the constitution, political outreach and reconciliation and good governance.
The document calls for a new constitution to be adopted by July 1 next year, with parliamentary elections to take place on August 20.

roadmap
Carson stressed that the political roadmap must be completed before the expiry of the current TFG if the region is to enjoy peace and boost trade. He also reiterated that the TFIs, which end in August, would not be extended.

At the same time, Carson sent condolences to the families of the late Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti, his assistant Orwa Ojode and the four others, terming the tragedy a big loss to Kenya.

He said Kenya had lost an outstanding person. Carson said the Obama administration would be willing to send experts to unearth the cause of the plane crash if requested.

Gration also described the late Saitoti as a professional who listened and carried out his duties with zeal.

The envoy said he valued the opinion of Saitoti on security.