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06 Aug 2011 16:22

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World: Is al-Shabab losing ground in Somalia and Mogadishu, or just regrouping?

  • We have abandoned Mogadishu but we remain in other towns. We aren’t leaving you. We have changed our tactics. Every one of you will feel the change in every corner and every street in Mogadishu. We will defend you and continue the fighting.
  • Al-Shabab spokesperson Ali Mohamoud Rage • Regarding the al-Qaeda group’s decision to leave Mogadishu, the capitol of Somalia, a country that has been struggling with a major humanitarian crisis of late. Is it a tactical change, as the spokesperson suggests, or a real corner turned? Somalia’s president, Sheikh Shairf Sheikh Ahmed, seems to suggest the latter. “It is time to harvest the fruits of peace,” he said. “I call on the Somali people to help and to support their soldiers and point out any Shabab member hiding in homes.” source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

06 Mar 2010 12:07

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World: The U.S. is trying to help Somalia have a government again

  • There are limits to outside engagement, and there has to be an enormous amount of local buy-in for this work.
  • U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Johnnie Carson • Regarding the off-in-the-distance assistance  the country is giving the Somalian government in re-capturing Mogadishu, its capital, block by anarchy-ridden block. Why now? Simple. The U.S. is scared about the anarchic country’s increasing ties to Yemen and al-Qaeda. (Oh, and the pirates.) But they’re trying to help in a way that doesn’t bring back memories of the U.S.’ 1994 retreat from the country, which led to the anarchic state of affairs in the first place. “This is not an American offensive,” Carson said. “The U.S. military is not on the ground in Somalia. Full stop.” source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

03 Dec 2009 09:48

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World: A suicide bomber in Somalia shows the government’s fragility

  • It proves the aggressive power [the insurgents have], and their determination to take over this country. They can easily go at the heart of the system. This will create a lot of panic for all the supporters of the government.
  • Somali diplomat Mohammed Aden • On a suicide bombing in Somalia, a mostly lawless country barring a handful of blocks in the capital of Mogadishu. Guess where the suicide bombing occurred. The attack killed at least 10, including three government ministers. source
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