Ethiopian troops quit Somalia

MOGADISHU – Ethiopian troops who helped Somalia’s government drive out a radical Islamic militia last month began withdrawing from this Horn of Africa nation yesterday, said a government spokesperson.

Abdirahman Dinari said: “As of today (yesterday), the Ethiopian troops have started to withdraw from Somalia. We are grateful that they played an important role in the restoration of law and order in the country.”They are pulling out gradually from all the regions they had entered, including the capital.”Somali troops, with crucial aid from neighbouring Ethiopia, drove the Council of Islamic Courts out of the capital and much of southern Somalia in an offensive that began late last month.But, violence had been breaking out due to traditional clan rivalries and resentment among Somalis over the presence of Ethiopian forces.Somalia, a Muslim country, and Ethiopia, which had a large Christian population, fought a brutal war in 1977.Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had been anxious to withdraw his forces and had urged other countries to contribute to a peacekeeping mission.On Friday, the African Union peace and security council approved a plan to send about 8 000 African peacekeepers, including nine infantry battalions, to Somalia for a six-month mission that would eventually be taken over by the UN.The council said the initial deployment should have at least three battallions.Nampa-APWe are grateful that they played an important role in the restoration of law and order in the country.”They are pulling out gradually from all the regions they had entered, including the capital.”Somali troops, with crucial aid from neighbouring Ethiopia, drove the Council of Islamic Courts out of the capital and much of southern Somalia in an offensive that began late last month.But, violence had been breaking out due to traditional clan rivalries and resentment among Somalis over the presence of Ethiopian forces.Somalia, a Muslim country, and Ethiopia, which had a large Christian population, fought a brutal war in 1977.Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had been anxious to withdraw his forces and had urged other countries to contribute to a peacekeeping mission.On Friday, the African Union peace and security council approved a plan to send about 8 000 African peacekeepers, including nine infantry battalions, to Somalia for a six-month mission that would eventually be taken over by the UN.The council said the initial deployment should have at least three battallions.Nampa-AP