The Union of Islamic Courts, an Islamist Militia group, have taken control of Mogadishu, bringing a lull in violence.
At the moment, there is relative calm in Mogadishu. The Union of Islamic Courts, a group of Islamist militia, have pushed Somali warlords out of the city and taken control of the dilapidated city. But what kind of order they intend to keep remains to be seen. Associated Press reports that there are ideological differences within the Islamic Courts, composed of moderate and hardline Muslim elements. Some of its key members would like to promote Somali traditions and allow the people to decide what they want while others favour the more authoritarian tenets of sharia law.
Over the past four months the Islamic Courts have been embroiled in battles with Somali clans and warlords acting as a self-styled anti-terrorism coalition whom many believe to be backed by the United States. The unrest in Mogadishu during 2006 has seen almost 350 people killed, 1,500 injured and 17,000 displaced, according to the UN News Service.
As a result of abject poverty, insecurity and droughts that have plagued citizens for years, many Somali men considered working for warlords their only means of ensuring they would be able to feed their families. The lawlessness and fighting between clans often manifested itself in violent sprees of looting, raping and killing. Some feel that the success of this Islamist militia over warlords might be the only hope for stability in a city that has been ravaged by years of anarchy.
Ever since 1991, when clan-based warlords removed authoritarian leader, Mohamed Siad Barre, Somalia has been without a central government and has fallen into state of political and social decay. Severe drought in the Horn of Africa has only made matters worse. In August 2004, a Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was elected in Kenya but violence in Mogadishu prevented them from governing from the capital. For two years, they have been a relatively powerless force located in Baidoa, southern Somalia. But now that the Union of Islamic Courts has taken control of Mogadishu, the lull in armed conflict provides the opportunity to install the elected leaders in the capital.
In an email sent to diplomats and seen by Reuters, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, chairperson of the Islamic Courts stated that his group, "would like to establish a friendly relationship with the international community that is based on mutual respect and interest and seek their support for the Somali peace process." He also told the Saudi-owned daily Asharq al-Awsa that "if US forces intervene directly against us in Mogadishu, then we are ready to teach them a lesson they will never forget and repeat their defeat in 1993." America remains concerned that instability in Somalia could allow the country to become a haven for terrorists.
April brought much needed rain to Somalia which helped yield a good harvest for this Horn of Africa country. Now June offers hope for the beginning of peace. The Islamic Courts appear destined to control most of southern Somalia soon but it is unclear whether or not they will firmly establish the TFG or set up an administration of their own.
