Non-Subscriber Extract
Islamic courts warn Ethiopian troops to leave Somalia
- Article Tools
| 18 October 2006 |
| EVENT |
| Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, leader of the Somali Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), on 23 October issued a final warning to Ethiopian forces deployed in Somalia to leave the country or face war. He also urged Ethiopian Muslims to overthrow the government of Meles Zenawi. |
Aweys' ultimatum comes after months of rising tension between the UIC and Ethiopia. Ethiopia only admitted on 19 October that Ethiopian troops were in Somalia, despite widespread evidence that they have been in the country since June this year. Ethiopia says its troops are providing training and support to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the UIC's rival for power in Somalia, which is based in Baidoa. However, Addis Ababa has said that it will respond to any attempt by the UIC to take Baidoa.
| FORECAST |
| Fears of imminent conflict between the UIC and Ethiopia and the TFG have been raised before, but have not been realised. However, Aweys' comments have increased tensions further. Ethiopia is committed to defending the chronically weakened TFG and has given no reason to suggest that it will not do so militarily should the need arise. |
182 of 353 words
© 2006 Jane's Information Group
[End of non-subscriber extract]
Customers with a paid subscription to Jane’s Intelligence Watch Report can access the full article here
If you would like to subscribe, please see our products section for more information and pricing on Intelligence Watch Report