Somalia Update

The United Nations Security Council passed the US-proposed resolution for a peacekeeping force in Somalia. Prime Minister of Somalia Ali Mohamed Gedi approves of the UN decision to send in peacekeepers as well as the lift of the 1992 arms embargo. However, response from the Islamic militants in Somalia threatened war. This comes after reports of violence between the Council of Islamic Courts and Ethiopian troops following protests to the UN resolution. It is estimated that 6,000-8,000 Ethiopian soldiers have entered Somalia in support of the Somali government and it is reported that 2,000 troops from Ethiopia’s rival Eritrea have also become involved supporting the rebels (Eritrea denies these claims). The Washington Post has reaction from spokesmen from both neighboring countries which would be excluded from the approved peacekeeping force. It is probable that this force will be led by Uganda who has already agreed to send in troops.

(In my opinion, Uganda has issues within its own borders that demand its attention. The conflict that began two decades ago is ongoing and highly ignored by its own government as well as the United States and the rest of the international community.)