20120204
AFP
Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague said Friday there was an "opportunity" to end the crisis in Somalia and tackle terrorism and piracy there, after a landmark visit to the war-torn nation.

"I came away confident that there is an opportunity for the world to help Somalis achieve the better future they deserve," said Hague, the first British foreign secretary to visit the anarchic nation for two decades.

"Recent political and security gains in Somalia mean there is a historic opportunity to turn a corner in the country and to lay the foundations for greater stability in the long-term."

Britain considers Somalia a direct threat to its security on fears that British nationals have joined the Al-Qaeda-linked Shehab insurgents who are fighting to topple the weak Western-backed government in Mogadishu.

In recent years, several foreign fighters -- some of them Somalis from the diaspora -- have joined the hardline Shebab's ruthless battles to seize control of the country and install Islamic rule.

Pirates in central and northern Somalia have also plagued shipping and hold British nationals as well as other foreigners hostage for ransom.

"We need more effective action to disrupt the terrorism and piracy which are such a serious threat to international security and the lives of people, including British nationals," Hague said.

He called for "better coordination of international aid" as well as greater support for the 10,000-strong African Union force, which is protecting the embattled government from Shebab attacks.

Security was tightened in Mogadishu for Hague's visit on Thursday, which came ahead of a London conference due on February 23 aimed at resolving the protracted crises in the lawless Horn of Africa nation.

Shebab insurgents control large parts of central and southern Somalia, but are facing increasing pressure from government forces and regional armies.

Troops from neighbouring countries are converging on the Shebab -- Kenyan forces in the south, Ethiopia's army in the south and west, and the AU troops in Mogadishu.

Hague also voiced support for Kenya's ongoing incursion into southern Somalia after Nairobi sent troops and tanks to attack Shebab positions last October.

"We are very appreciative of the role Kenya has played and recognise how Kenya has been in the front line," Hague said, after meeting Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.

"We have the challenge of working closely together on Somalia... It will be very difficult, it is full of danger."