Now to the Return of the Old Argument:
In 2006 Ethiopian Forces entered Somalia to Prop up a Weak Western-Backed
Government against an Islamic Insurgency. As Much as anything this may have been a key factor in the spike in the Acts of
Piracy that Began in 2008.
When the Incursion began in December 2006 the US State Department reported
that it had Evidence that Eritrea had been providing Logisitical Support and even Ground Forces to the UIC (Union of Islamic
Courts.)
Fast Forward to 2009. Ethiopian Forces have left Somalia but a number of
them remain along the Border in case that they have to return. A small contingent of AU Peacekeepers are in Mogadishu under
a limited Mandate. A New Islamist Militia Al-Shabbab which some People maintain has close links to Al-Qaida has Power
in the Southern Part of the Country. They have also threatened to Invade Kenya as well.
Recently in an Interview with the BBC US Undersecretary of State
for African Affairs Johnny Carson reiterated the Claim that Eritrea has been supporting the Islamist Militias in Somalia.
He stated that the US and the UN have "credible" Evidence of Eritrean Involvement in Somalia.
This is one of the reason for the Tensions between the United States and
Eritrea. Other Reasons are the Situation along the Border with Ethiopia and the Human Rights Record within Eritrea.
There has been an increase in the Fighting In and Around Mogadishu and an
Offer by the Government for a Ceasefire was rejected by the Islamists.
For its part the Eritrean Government has denied any involvement in Somalia
once Again
This situation can best be described as TO BE CONTINUED......
