Dhubad. Posted February 24, 2007 24/02/2007, Onkod News, London: (Press Release) On Tuesday morning, 20 February 2007, the Ethiopian forces and militias of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) indiscriminately shelled on heavily populated districts of Mogadishu killing at least 15 people and wounding over 40 others. Somali Concern Group (SCG) is dismayed by this unlawful killing of civilians and condemns this barbaric action committed by those who came to Mogadishu to provide peace and security to its citizens. We understand that the forces may have been provoked by local insurgencies that see the presence of the troops in their city as illegal. However, it is inexcusable to erratically bombard a city of over 2 million people and kill scores, while forcing thousands of others to flee their homes and belongings. We demand the TFG leadership to hold those responsible accountable to their actions and bring them before the court of law, if there is one. We are also disappointed at the lack of response on part of the international community and regional organizations such as IGAD, African Union, Arab League, EU and United Nations on the massacre and daily killings of civilians by different groups in Mogadishu and elsewhere. We urge the international community to intervene and stop this bloodshed before it gets out of hand. It is sad to see that the Ethiopians and TFG failed to maintain the peace and security established by courts in Mogadishu and most of the south. Spiral violence has become the norm of the day in many towns since the Ethiopian troops unilaterally invaded Somalia on 24 December 2006. We are deeply concerned at the increasing number of people getting killed daily in many parts of the country and hope that international pressure on the TFG and Ethiopians may encourage them to resort into peace making venture rather than pursuing victory by the gunpoint. The unfortunate truth is that the Ethiopians are not showing the desire to keep the peace let alone to help the government impose its authority on the country. Apparently, the TFG and the Ethiopians are no natural substitutes to the ousted Islamic courts who with little efforts won the hearts and minds of the Somali people. In lieu of that, it is in the best interest of the TFG and Somali people for the Ethiopian troops to withdraw immediately. If that happens, the violence will gradually die down and talk of reconciliation can start. In the light of that, we recommend that the international community pressures the Ethiopians to withdraw as soon as possible in order to dissuade the insurgency. Secondly, we urge the international community, particularly regional organizations to help the Somali people to hold an inclusive reconciliation conference where all stakeholders (TFG, leaders of UIC, civil societies, Diaspora, clan elders) are invited. Thirdly, deployment of African troops will be possible only after reconciliation between all groups is achieved. Without agreement/settlement on major issues, it will be very difficult to reach a durable and lasting peace arrangement. Somali Concern Groups is committed to bridging differences and helping Somali people rebuild their lives by starting with the reconciliation of the Somali communities and reinstitution of the Somali state. Mohamud Gure Chairperson London, UK guremm@somaliconcern.org guremm@hotmail.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
