Cautious optimism as peace talks enter second day

More participants on Wednesday joined Somali peace talks in the western Kenyan town of Eldoret, raising hopes that the conference could achieve real progress. "For the first time since these meetings have been taking place, we have virtually everyone together, and this augurs well," Kenya's Foreign Minister Marsden Madoka told delegates. "Those who are not yet here are on their way." Delegations in Eldoret include the Mogadishu-based Transitional National Government (TNG), the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland, the opposition Somali Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SRRC), the Kismayo-based Juba Valley Alliance (JVA) and several Mogadishu warlords. Notable faction leaders present include Hussein Mohamed Aideed (SRRC) and Musa Sudi Yalahow (Mogadishu). "The outcome of the conference depends on the participants," TNG Prime Minister Hassan Abshir Farah told IRIN. "So if the Somali warlords come like us in goodwill and readiness, I'm sure the result will be very outstanding and we will establish a broad-based government." "We are ready to sit with the opposition, to discuss, try to solve our differences," he said. "And lastly, we are ready to share with them the government and to establish an inclusive government. We came here for this reason." Awad Ahmed Ashareh, Puntland minister of justice and religion in the administration of Col. Abdullahi Yusuf, said it was important that Somali delegates be allowed to set their own agenda at the conference. "Before the conference goes into full session, there must be an understanding between leaders of different groups so that we can come up with our own agenda, and so that it will be the Somali way of dealing with problems," he told IRIN. "We are trying to bury our differences and save Somalia," Ashareh said, adding that "foreign countries have to stop interfering and unite Somalia". As well as political groups, there is also a strong representation of civil society, including women's groups and diaspora. Mohad Yusuf of the Coalition of Somali Communities in North America told IRIN he was optimistic about the outcome of the conference, but that it must tackle the heart of the problem. "There is only one question," he said, "and that it is the question of leadership." He said that previous peace conferences had not made the progress Somalis had hoped for, because no strong leadership had emerged to unite the country. The conference is organised by the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). It was due to adopt on Wednesday the Rules of Procedure. However, chairman of the IGAD technical committee Elijah Mwangale of Kenya told delegates this would have to wait until Thursday, as not all groups had yet arrived. However, he said the total number of participants added up to at least 450, which was well over the 300 originally invited. He said he would be discussing this matter with heads of delegations.