To: Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed

        The President of the Transitional Federal Government

To: Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys

        Chairman of Majlis Shuraa, Union of Islamic Courts

To: Sharif  Hassan Sheikh Adan

        Speaker of the Somali Parliament

To: Ali Mohamed Gedi

       Prime Minister, TFG

To: Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed

        Chairman, Executive Council UICs

Cc: Abdullahi Shiekh Ismail

        Chief Negotiator for the TFG

Cc:  Ibrahim Hassan Adow

         Chief Negotiator, Union of Islamic Courts;

Cc:  Members of the Somali Transitional Federal Parliament

Cc:  Members of Islamic Courts Majlis Shuraa

Cc: Somali Civil Society

Re: Petition for Peace in Somalia 

  Highly Esteemed Excellencies,

We are saddened by the destruction, death and utter devastation that have been visited upon our beloved country for the past 16 years, during which period Somalia has become a metaphor for a failed state, mired in mindless anarchy.   The needless suffering of the Somali people at the hands of warlords and faction leaders, who stoked inter-clan and intra-clan suspicion, and set Somali brothers and sisters against each other for personal and perverted political and economic ends, has been the source of shame and profound sorrow for ordinary Somalis everywhere.   Indeed, the good name of the Somali nation has, during this period of misery, been scandalized.

This disgraceful state of affairs cannot stand!

Dear Excellencies,

We urge you to put the nation’s interest before politics, recognizing that no one has a monopoly on truth.  The Somali people have suffered long enough!

We call for a complete cessation of hostilities and a renewed dedication to save lives of innocent people.

We urge you to establish peace and security for the entire country through non-violent means.

We urge you to sit across a table and exchange and accept ideas amicably.

We urge you to pursue and achieve moderation, and compromise for the sake of peace. And remember that you will be accountable in front of Allah (SW).

We urge you to listen to one another with mutual respect in an environment that reflects the wisdom of our faith, wellbeing of the Somali people, and the undeniable unity of our nation.

We urge you to stop and think for a moment with open hearts and minds and put Somalia first.

We urge you to seek a just and lasting solution that is free of foreign interference by all those outside forces who are meddling not to assist Somalis but to advance their own geopolitical goals.

We urge you to work for peace as a higher value than reflexively and casually shedding human blood—an act, which Allah prohibited for Muslims.

May Allah guide us all to the straight path!

Hassan Sheik Mumin

London, UK

Liibaan Faarax

Zurich,
 Switzerland

Abdulbarie Koogaar

This list will be constantly updated everyday. If you care about peace and stability in Somalia, please add your name to this growing list. Send  e-mail to :