Somalia: Foreign Fighters in Somalia Are 'International Criminals' - President
25 May 2009
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The president of Somalia's interim government, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, told a
Monday press conference in the capital Mogadishu that foreign fighters in the
Horn of Africa country are 'international criminals,' Radio Garowe reports.
"Somalia has been invaded by foreign fighters, who are using Somali factions
and their objective is to keep the country in chaos and to hide international
criminals," President Sheikh Sharif told reporters at the Villa Somalia
presidential compound.
He called on the Somali public to stand by the government in order "to defend
the freedom, honor and nationhood of Somalia," adding: "I do not see any reason
to continue fighting except to oppose peace."
The Somali leader said the interim government has adopted Islamic law
[Shari'ah] as national legislation and has accepted a reconciliation process
promoted by Muslim scholars and traditional elders, "but the opposition has
rejected reconciliation."
He condemned the foreign fighters, suggesting that these foreign fighters have
fought in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq, "which are still burning."
Conflicting reports have placed the actual number of 'foreign fighters' present
in Somalia from a handful to over 300 fighters.
"The [Somali] government has decided to defend the honor of the country and the
people...we will fight those who oppose governance and those who promote
chaos," President Sheikh Sharif said, in some of his most heated comments since
being elected in January.
African peacekeepers
The Somali President said the ongoing violence in Mogadishu and parts of
central Somalia is part of a "liberation war" against anti-peace elements.
He specifically addressed a recent decision by the Inter-Governmental Authority
on Development (IGAD) to place sanctions on Eritrea, which is often accused
arming Somali insurgents.
"It was the correct decision and the world must support it," said President
Sheikh Sharif, who fled to Eritrea in 2007 after Ethiopian troops intervened in
south-central Somalia to oust the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) movement, led by
Sheikh Sharif at the time.
Speaking about the 4,000-strong African Union peacekeeping force (AMISOM), the
President said: "AMISOM is here [in Mogadishu] legally and they will leave when
they ensure the safety of the Somali people."
He noted that African peacekeepers are serving in Somalia "to help a fellow
African country," while underscoring that AMISOM peacekeepers will defend the
Somali government if attacked.
President Sheikh Sharif did not specifically name anti-government insurgent
groups, namely Al Shabaab hardliners and Hizbul Islam faction, which is led by
his former ally, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys.
Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam factions have waged a violent campaign in Mogadishu
and the central regions aiming to overthrow President Sheikh Sharif's interim
government, which has support from ICU fighters and Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a
militia.
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Muslims "must" unite all over the World
and pray for the appearance of al Mahdi (r.a.) the Saviour of mankind
the descendent of Prophet Muhammed s.a.w.
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