Comments on: Neglected conflicts, counterbalanced (?) by more hopeful thoughts

By: Ethan

Ethan — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 12:59:44 +0000

Thanks for the pointers, BRE – those are good leads. Regarding Ethiopian presence in Somalia – it’s been quite widely reported, both by Somali press and by international reporters for AP, Reuters, BBC, all who say they’ve spoken to people on the ground who confirm dozens of Ethiopian military vehicles and accompanying troops within Somalia. Whether this constitutes an “invasion” or an attempt to help the provisional government protect Baidoa is less clear, but there are multiple reports of Ethiopian presence.

By: Black River Eagle

Black River Eagle — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 11:27:30 +0000

That’s interesting that you noticed that alleged quiet little invasion of Somalia by Ethiopian forces; most people around the world have ignored news out of this failed East African state except for the occaisional drought & famine photo special and reports about threats from Islamic extemists who are based there. My take on the alleged 200 Ethiopian troops advancing on Mogadishu is that many people simply don’t care anymore as they are tired of the decades long conflicts in this region. On the other hand, if Ethiopia were to really “invade” Somalia wouldn’t they be sending in a lot more soldiers and military hardware than that described in the BBC News article? Has anyone else other than this BBC reporter been able to confirm this invasion by Ethiopia?

In addition to the great job our mutual friend The Malau has been doing over at the Salon, I would highly recommend (to your readers) the excellent writing and reporting on the DR Congo by U.S.-based independent journalist Mvemba Phezo Dizolele at the Eye on Africa blog. Here is the link to his blog:
http://dizolele.com/

Lastly, GVO’s very own contributing editor Jennifer Brea has been doing a great job in providing roundups from French-language blog authors writing about the DRC and other Central African nations.

By: Jonah

Jonah — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 05:35:44 +0000

It is unfortunate that Ethiopia is playing a destabilizing role in the somalia. No matter how you look at the equation, it looks like the majority of the people of somalia will continue to suffer from more war and anarchy.
The UIC is too large extent a by product or reaction to anarachy that has existed in Somalia for such a long time. They seem to have grassroot support because the alternative is anarchy and parasitic warlords.

Ethiopia has a large population and is a regional heavyweight in east africa similiar to Nigeria in the
west africa- but Nigeria is playing a productive role in West africa i.e Liberia and peaceful resolution of conflict with Cameroon.

Until Ethiopia starts playing that kind of role, the Somalia situation will continue to escalate or get worse. I hope not!