Former Somali senior military officials to meet in Washington, DC
Nairobi, 31 July 2009 – The United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) is convening a workshop for former Somali senior military officials under the auspices of the Somali Ministry of Defense from 1 – 5 August in Washington DC.
The workshop, which follows a preparatory forum held in June, will bring together former high ranking officers from the military, police, custodial and intelligence services for in-depth discussions on both the historical background of the Somali security forces, and on the re-establishment and the strengthening of the capacity of the security sector institutions in Somalia. .
Engaging the former leadership of the Somali Forces is expected to enable them to share their institutional memory and know-how with the current leadership. The workshop will not only serve as a practical capacity building measure but it will also help move towards a comprehensive understanding on the Somali security situation.
"In keeping with the spirit of the Djibouti process, this is an opportunity for the former Somali military leaders to contribute to the rebuilding of their nation," the UN Special Representative for Somalia Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said.
During the workshop the participants will produce a framework document to address strategies for both short-term security challenges and longer-term capacity building measures.
"History has a lot to teach us if we're willing to learn from past experiences – failures and successes. These former senior military officials will have an opportunity to serve their country in another capacity," Mr Ould-Abdallah said.
 Statement by the UN Special Representative for Somalia to UN Security Council, 29 July 2009
 SRSG attends High Level meetings in UK, UN Security Council and Canada, 24-31 July 2009