AL-SHABAAB VERSUS THE SOMALI GOVERNMENT: DRAMA UNFOLDS

Kanini Evans Kariuki

NEITHER AL-SHABAAB NOR THE SOMALI GOVERNMENT HAS THE STRENGTH TO CONTROL POWER, BUT AL-SHABAAB APPEARS A BIT MIGHTIER……….THE Transitional Federal Government that has been besieged in an area not more than 1½ kilometer square, and has a problem in obtaining reinforcements from the other regions and districts, can only be rescued by the African Union (AU) forces led by the Ugandans who are presently guarding the Somali State House, the airport and the seaport of Mogadishu.On July 11, 2009, the opposition group came too close to State House whereupon the Ugandan commander of the Ugandan forces in Mogadishu sought out State House and the Transitional government forces.The AU forces managed to ward off the Al-Shabaab -led forces nearly to the outskirts of Mogadishu, but no sooner had the Ugandan forces resumed their position at the Barracks, than the Transitional Government returned to its previous location, hence the unfolding drama that resulted in the Al-Shabaab forces re-grouping and following the footsteps of the Transitional Government forces.Although the Ugandan forces denied their participation in the fighting between the government-led forces and the opposition group, the Ugandan commander stated that they would wage other attacks from Baidoa and Kismayu.According to reliable sources, the Ugandan Commander is of the opinion that the current Transitional Federal Government headed by H.E. President Shariff has the capability of military might or the political experience and leadership vision.What transpired from the fight in which the Ugandans took part, clearly illustrates that the Transitional Government cannot withstand the Radical group and their allies, and it (Government) is likely to be squeezed into a precarious position or cul-de-sac, if the previous military forces of Somalia who have the necessary academic qualifications and experience, are not re-recruited to train the current militia that lacks military discipline, loyalty and allegiance to the state...more..http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/110211