Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said here Friday Inter-governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), African Union (AU) and the rest of the international community should assist Somalia to help it stand on its feet.

He also said the action of Ethiopia to get rid of the fundamentalists' threat is very appreciable by the region and among the Somalis.

In a speech to resident diplomats at the AU headquarters, Museveni said IGAD, AU and the rest of the international community need to provide relief to Somali population, help build their national army and organize a national election.

The Ugandan president, who is here for a two-day working visit, said the elimination of the fundamentalists by Ethiopian army and Somalia security forces opened an opportunity to bring peace and stability in Somalia.

However, it should be supported by the international community, he added.

Speaking on his part, AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Omar Konare said the international community should exert utmost efforts to assist Somalia's Transitional Federal Government and has to be aware of the urgency to support Somalia.

"We should avoid wasting of time to help Somalia," said Konare, adding that deploying troops in the country is necessary.

"We have to thank Ethiopia for its commitment in eliminating the fundamentalists," Konare said. However, he said other African countries should join hands to support Somalia.

"Our duty is to help the TFG. We cannot afford to fail in Somalia," said the AU boss.

He also said a massive humanitarian assistance is also needed to help Somalia.

Source: Xinhua