Hon Chairperson, hon members, no final decision has been made as to what South Africa's assistance to Somalia will be.
One of the most important aspects, as acknowledged by the African leaders at the Kampala summit, is that a military intervention alone would not resolve the Somali conflict. A comprehensive approach that addresses the political process, security and piracy is needed. As a result it is crucial that the search for a comprehensive, all-inclusive solution is stepped up.
The major challenge is broadening participation in the Somali political process to include an overwhelming number of parties, which will lead to an all-inclusive ceasefire agreement. This has to be done in co-operation with other African partners, in particular the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Igad - an organisation to which Somalia belongs.
The African Union, through the chair of the commission, approached South Africa to assist in relation to the contribution of troops, provision of equipment to support the troops, assistance to the maritime component, or funding for the peace mission, all of which would have financial and human resource implications for South Africa. In view of these implications, it is important that the matter first be discussed by our Cabinet before a decision is taken.
In the meantime, South Africa will consult with other interested parties on Somalia, like the Igad countries and the African Union mission in Somalia, on how best to support the political process and find a lasting solution in Somalia. I thank you.