Taleexi Posted August 14, 2012 WardheerNews August 13, 2012 The situation in southern Somalia is both promising and perilous. It is promising, on one hand, because Al-Shabab fighters have been retreating and losing ground. Today, they do not control Mogadishu, Afgooye, Hiiraan, and parts of Gedo. The exception is Kismayo, the only major city the group still controls. The Kenyan contingent of the AMISOM forces has practically not made much of a progress in capturing the port city of Kismayo, a hub for the al Shabaab militant forces. Mogadishu has seen a measure of safety after the militants were expelled. Residents in the capital are openly able to run their businesses. There are also many Somalis from other parts of the world returning to Mogadishu. The situation is perilous, on the other hand, because liberated areas are suffering from poorly-organized local administration and lack of safety, and, hence, no law and order. However, Al-Shabab fighters are still able to operate and carry out assassinations in areas controlled by the TFG with impunity. The militants have been successful in melting in with local populations after their ignominious defeats. There is still pervasive fear of the radical group in the South. Moreover, the rate of political assassinations has skyrocketed in Mogadishu. Journalists, artists, and politicians are regularly targeted. The South has been experiencing a new phenomenon: the TFG armed forces are killing, raping, and pillaging in the liberated areas too. Whereas Al-Shabab imposed strict and draconian rule in these areas, there were, at least, no armed robberies or rape reported. Many of these residents are now wondering if they were better off, after all, with the hated Al-Shabab. There is also the fear that southern Somalia could resort back to lawlessness and warlordism. Read more at http://wardheernews.com/Editorial/13_count_down_WDN.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
