The Federal Government of the Somali Republic

Office of the Prime Minister

Prime Minister calls on South Africa to protect vulnerable Somali community

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today expressed his concern for the safety of the Somali community in South Africa.

In a letter to President Zuma, the Prime Minister said:

"I appeal to the Government of the Republic of South Africa as a matter of urgency to intervene and contain this unnecessary and unfortunate violence against Somali business communities to preserve peace and stability, thereby further strengthening and promoting brotherly relations between our two peoples and governments."

The Prime Minister also sent his sincere condolences to the families of those Somalis who were killed or wounded and lost their properties during the recent violence in Diepsloot, Pretoria and Booysens Park, Port Elizabeth.

"On the other hand, I also call for all the Somalis in South Africa to respect and adhere rigidly to the local laws and customs, work with the Somali Embassy in Pretoria, maintain calmness, knowing that my government will vigorously work with the South African Government to address these recurring problems," the Prime Minister said. "Our thoughts are with those Somalis who have suffered at this time of sadness."

Statement issued by Ahmed Adan, Prime Minister's Media Office, Mogadishu, Somalia, June 3 2013

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