VOA – It was Christmas Day a year ago that the situation in Somalia changed dramatically. That’s when Ethiopia Woyanne invaded and drove out forces belonging to the Islamic Courts Union. However, Ethiopia’s Woyanne’s initial, decisive military victory has turned into a yearlong occupation with no end in sight.
Among those who’ve been following developments of the past year in Somalia is Professor David Shinn of George Washington University. Dr. Shinn is a former U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia. From Columbus, Ohio, he spoke to VOA English to Africa Service reporter Joe De Capua about the events of 2007.
“I think a lot of people are surprised that the Ethiopians Woyannes are still there and still trying to figure out how to get out of Somalia. I’m convinced they’d very much like to leave but feel they’re sort of stuck. And I’m almost certain they’re surprised at the situation that they are in. And I think a lot of other people are too, although frankly it should have been fairly predictable that this was not going to go very smoothly,” he says.
Shinn adds, “It’s a very difficult situation. The situation on the ground is still very difficult and has not really improved. And one still does not see a way out of this unless there’s going to be a political solution to the problem, which is really what is required.”
Ambassador Shinn has been calling for a political solution for the past year. Asked why one has not been achieved, he says, “Because I don’t think anyone has been very serious about trying to achieve a political solution on any side of the issue. In the past year, you would have to put most of the blame on the Transitional Federal Government for not making a significant enough effort. Because they have held most of the security cards so long as the Ethiopians Woyannes have been there supporting them. So, it is really up to them to make the gesture to those who oppose them. And try to bring them into the government in order to create a government of national unity that would allow the opponents to rein in those who are fighting against the Transitional Federal Government. They have not made sufficient steps to do that. They still have an opportunity to do that and I think the naming of the new prime minister, Nur Adde, makes that a greater possibility. But he has to seize the initiative and really create a new government that will be acceptable to most of those individuals who now oppose the Transitional Federal Government.”
Shinn calls on the international community, including the Arab League, to do more to find a political solution, rather than relying on AU peacekeepers, who are very few in number.
5 thoughts on “Woyanne marks yearlong occupation in Somalia”
I guess Meles wishes he could take it back.His army of gangs are being beaten in Ogaden and Somalia like a baby seal out of the water.Let`s hope he stays in Somalia longer so he can be bled to death.The end of this violent dictator is near one way or the other and we(the people of the entire horn of Africa) are not going to miss him.
H.E. Ambassador David Shin knows very well who the Woyanes are.
When Woyan lost its ellection for Kinijit, part of its loss was because of Ogaden people, who voted almost 85% for Kinijit. Woyane, immediately blocked the counting of the ballot and cancelled Ogaden as a ” non secured area for voting ” and then conspericy around the Woyane camp started to revenge The great Ogaden People.
This was the main reason of woyane’s war started on victim Ogaden people, who are now indiscreminately being killed by the brutal MELES’S blood – thirsty soldiers.
It is not only the Somali people who are condemning this war. It includes the majority of Ethiopian people too.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
Woyane anticipated to end the war in Ogaden (somali) within a week or two. That was a complete ignorance on woyane side.
This proxy war of Meles Zenawi, is a complete mess and
My fear is that this crook meles will realise what he has done to himself by invading Somalia, and will withdraw soon. I just don’t want that to happen. i know what is going on there and beleive me each day is minus his regime. MARK my words.
Do you remember our fathers saying, ” Doro chirchira marejawan awetach” That is what the Woyanes did to themselves by going in to Somalia. And you watch them crumbling down in to ashes in seconds like the world trade center buildings.
I hope Meles and his stooges will not escape alive from Addis as Mengistu! Meles and stooges is nearing and that’s why he inciting all the violence around the horn of Africa; those to enjoy the last breath in Menelik palac!