A/HRC/21/61 2012 will have passed by the time the present report is submitted to the Human Rights Council. 86. The Independent Expert is both hopeful and wary about the prospects of a successful transition in Somalia. He hopes that the Transitional Federal Goverment, transitional federal institutions and the people of Somalia realize that if the momentum gathered to date towards the goals so painstakingly developed in recent years is lost, Somalia risks another long period of uncertainty and chaos. Not only could international support, generated over the years, be lost, but the consequences of the failure would likely strengthen the hands of those who have benefitted from conflict and instability. The Independent Expert is wary about the machinations of many elements in Somalia who are not keen to see the success of the road map and/or who believe that their personal or group interests would be better served by continued instability. Unless the majority of the people of Somalia are united against these “spoilers” and show their determination to foil their efforts, the latter might indeed have the last say. This is a danger that everyone must guard against. 87. Only the determined efforts of all concerned can ensure a positive outcome in both the pre- and post-transition periods. Both the current Government and its successor must, through its actions, take the lead in establishing in the minds of the people the benefits of the rule of law over continued conflict, chaos and confusion. Without the whole-hearted support of the people, the change expected cannot be achieved. 88. As stated in earlier reports, the Transitional Federal Government holds the key in this regard. The Government can win over the minds and hearts of the people by changing the way they have lived their lives in recent years without any rule of law and authority to turn to in their hour of need. This can only be achieved by convincing them that the Government cares for their welfare, is aware of their human rights needs and keen to restore their dignity. 89. Unfortunately, with a long history of political machinations and in-fighting among ever changing groups of people holding power in Mogadishu, ordinary people have lost faith in their leadership. As a result, many have sought protection from their clans or local warlords in return for allegiance to them. The Transitional Federal Government must do whatever necessary to change the perception that people have of it. 90. Apart from improving the security situation for the people, in which much progress has been achieved in recent months, the Transitional Federal Government must prepare the ground for the post-transitional Government to pursue the process of change in Somalia, not only politically and economically but also socially. It should recall that average Somalis see their Government as more interested in grabbing and abusing power, indulging in corruption to amass wealth, sowing disunity and dissension among people to keep them divided, while remaining utterly oblivious to their welfare. Much of this might not be true and people might not understand the difficulties that the Government has had to face. The Independent Expert does not subscribe to all these allegations as he is convinced about the commitment of many of the leaders of the transitional Government to turn a new and more hopeful page for Somalia, but he recognizes how deep-rooted these views are. 91. In order to change this general negative perception, the Transitional Federal Government should consider developing another road map to give the people a clear picture of how it seeks to improve the human rights situation in the country, with a timeline for each activity. For too long, the people of Somalia have forgotten how life could be different in a State where the rule of law prevails, good governance is not 16