The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting in Algeria at its 27th Ordinary Session from 27 April to 11 May 2000:

Recalling articles 19 through 24 and other articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights;

Considering the Charter of the OAU that stipulates that freedom, equality, justice and dignity are essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples;

Concerned at the fluid situation of statelessness prevailing in Somalia;

Convinced that paying attention to the right to development, civil and political rights and the right to national and international peace and security, necessitates the existence of a democratically elected government by all people in Somalia;

Welcoming the meeting of traditional leaders and members of the civil society in Somalia, which started in Djibouti since the 2nd of May 2000;

Appreciating the efforts of the government of Djibouti, the IGAG, the Arab League, the OAU and the UN in their endeavours to maintain and preserve the national unity of the Somali people and the integrity of the State of Somalia;

Welcomes the national reconciliation efforts currently taking place in the Djibouti Conference which started in Djibouti on the 2nd of May 2000, initiated by the government of Djibouti and supported by IGAD, the Arab League, OAU, and United Nations;
Appreciates the efforts of H.E President Ismail Omar GUELLEH and the Government of Djibouti in bringing together the Somali people to in order to consider the future of Somalia, and in guiding the negotiations towards successful results;

1. Appeals to the Somali members of the civil society, the people of Somalia, traditional and political leaders in Somalia to adhere to the peaceful settlement of their differences and to give priority to the national interest of maintaining the unity and integrity of Somalia ;

2. Encourages all efforts aiming at achieving national peace and security and promoting and protecting the Human Rights of the Somali people.

3. Calls upon all Heads of State and Government of African countries parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International Community to support the on-going Somalia reconciliation process.