DFP commends Kufuor, cautions against rushing Ghanaian troops to Somalia

Accra Jan. 31, GNA - The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), on Wednesday commended President John Agyekum Kufuor on his election as chairman of the African Union (AU).It also cautioned the government not to be in haste to send Ghanaian soldiers on peacekeeping mission to Somalia.The DFP in a statement signed by its Interim Deputy General Secretary, Bede Ziedeng said it was of the view that much as all efforts must be made to secure peace in Somalia, "it is equally important that we do not commit the lives of our soldiers to unnecessary risk".
     The DFP recalled that in the past, U.S. troops had to pull out of Somalia after suffering some heavy casualties at the hands of Somali gunmen."In the aftermath of the pullout of Ethiopian forces now, the stage is virtually set for bloody clashes between the Islamists and Somali government forces."This is because no ceasefire has been declared and there is therefore no buffer zone, as a safe landing ground for the troops who will then be responsible for keeping the peace."
     The DFP said it saw the area more as a landmine and would therefore advise "we exercise care before we commit our troops to such dangerous venture".On the election, the DFP lauded President Kufuor saying it shared with him the honour and glory it had brought to Ghana during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence.
     The statement said the election of President Kufuor as AU Chairman also went to improve upon the image and rating of Ghana in Africa and the international community.The DFP expressed the hope that President Kufuor would use the opportunity not only to bring the nations of the continent closer together, but also bring his experience to bear on efforts at reducing conflict on the continent whilst encouraging good governance through democratic principles and practices on the continent, which is the surest way to achieve sustained development for Africans.
31 Jan. 07