After years of being forgotten and neglected by the world press and the international community, Somalia has lately been given a place of prominence in the news community because of the current political situation.
Here is a summary of "news-worthy" events in Somalia being reported today:
Mogadishu port re-opens under the UIC's control. This is a very visible effort by the UIC leaders to show that they are restoring stability to Somalia. They seem to be adopting the Hamas and Hezbollah model of providing social services to win over the public, while simultaneously adopting a Taliban-like law enforcement stance. The former has proven effective in other countries; the latter has proven disastrous when implemented in other countries. Time will tell how effective they will be.
Puntland leaders admit to having Ethiopia soldiers on their land. This seems to be the tactic to fight the UIC. Puntland, as a self-declared autonomous state, can invite in Ethiopian troops without the same complications that the TFG in Baidoa can. This may be leading to a two-front attack on the UIC militias. One coming from the Puntland/Ethiopia forces in the north and another front from TFG forces in the west.
Second Anniversary of the TFG celebrated with military parade in Baidoa. TFG President Abdullahi Yusuf is trying his best to show a strong, united front in Baidoa. Is it a facade?
An ex-president of Somalia's most recently failed attempt at a government is looking to become relevant again in the political picture. This press conference news conference has him aligning himself with the UIC. He is a known sympathizer with Islamist groups. His strong ties to these and Arab groups are what seemed to help speed the collapse of his TNG government.
One of the forgotten humanitarian crises in Somalia. This is just another sad tale of what is happening to common rural Somali's as the politicians on all sides bicker for power.
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