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Ethiopian Herald-Editorial
13 January 2007
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has announced that Ethiopian forces would begin to leave Somalia as of the coming Tuesday. In a press briefing he gave last Wednesday, Meles indicated that Ethiopia would keep its timeline to withdraw from Somalia. He said Ethiopia would not wait for some peacekeeping operation to replace its troops. According to the Prime Minister, the joint Ethiopian and TFG forces were now engaged in pursuing the remaining terrorist elements retreating in disarray to Kenyan border. Meles also expressed confidence in the capability of Somalis to stabilize their own country (The Ethiopian Herald, 11 January 2007).
Ethiopia launched a counter-offensive measure against the Islamic militants after efforts to resolve the problem through dialogue failed due to the stubborn nature of UIC leaders. The country exercised its internationally recognized right of self-defence to avert a clear and present danger posed by the fundamentalist forces. Ethiopia had made it clear from the very outset that its only mission was to crush the extremist UIC group so that it would no more be a security threat to the country. As Prime Minister Meles has repeatedly said, Ethiopia has no intention of occupying Somali territories or interfering in the internal affairs of Somalia.
The military operation against the UIC forces is now in its final stages with the remnants of the extremist group retreating in disarray. The extraordinary military action has resulted in incredible victories against terrorists not only for Ethiopia but also for all peace-loving people in the world. Despite fears of prolonged war, heavy sacrifices and civilian casualties, Ethiopia’s major military operation was completed in less than a week with little sacrifices and almost no civilian casualties. It is now unlikely that the UIC would reorganize itself as a combat force and launch attacks against Ethiopia. As the remaining operation is expected to be completed in the coming few days, there would be no reason for Ethiopia to stay long in Somalia. Although Ethiopia as always is concerned for stability and reconstruction of Somalia, this is something that it cannot do by its own.
Somalis are now free from a Taliban-like extremist administration that had been imposed on them for several months by the UIC. The sweeping away of the fundamentalist UIC forces has paved the way for a new era of peace, stability and reconstruction in this war-torn nation. It would be entirely up to the Somalis to exploit this opportunity and end years of anarchy and civil strife. The cooperation with warm welcome to the joint Ethiopian and TFG forces by Somalis in several liberated towns including Mogadishu has sent a clear message to the UIC leaders that Somalis would never tolerate any form of extremism and isolation. In other words, there is no ground for UIC militias to retake Mogadishu and other towns now controlled by the TFG. Security and stability measures being taken by the TFG are also promising to ensure a lasting peace in Somalia.
This, however, does not mean that Somalia would be immune to isolated terrorist attacks from remnants of extremist forces. Some UIC militias who have rejoined civilian life and armed militias in and around Mogadishu might carry out insurgency attacks against TFG interests and civilian population. Ethiopia cannot stay and control insurgents for two major reasons. First, it is not part of Ethiopia’s mission in Somalia to stay long and carry out policing activities. Second, staying long in Somalia would mean increased military expenditure which a poor country like ours cannot afford. Somalis themselves, particularly elders and clan leaders, are responsible for ensuring their own peace and stability and remaining vigilant against any terrorist attacks.
The international community should act with a sense of urgency to make use of the conducive environment now created in Somalia to stabilize and rebuild the nation. The UN and AU should facilitate the deployment of the proposed African Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia to fill any security vacuum that may be created following the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops. This is particularly important at this time when the TFG has not yet built strong security and police forces capable of asserting full authority all over Somalia. The international community should also provide urgent humanitarian and development assistance to Somalia. We need to admit that the international community had neglected Somalia for the last 15 years leaving the people in the hands of unelected warlords. This led to the emergence of fundamentalist forces like UIC. The Somalis now should be made to engage in rebuilding their war-ravaged nation, which requires the generous assistance of the developed nations.
All said, Ethiopia’s withdrawal from Somalia in accordance with its schedule has once again demonstrated the country’s respect and loyalty to international laws. It will then be up to the Somalis and the international community to sustain the prevailing peace and stability and make the country stand on both of its feet.