The popular Ethiopian prime minister, Meles Zenawi, has described the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Somalia as "weak".
Speaking in parliament on 3 February, Meles said was some change in Somalia not because of the work of anybody, but thanks to Al-Shabab itself for provoking the people of Somalia to rise against it, and Al-Shabab "should be defeated politically but militarily".
Meles said the fact that Mogadishu residents were flocking from Al-Shabab-controlled areas controlled by "such a weak government" showed how much Somalis had hated Al-Shabab.
He said the transition period would be extended because work that should have been completed during that period had not been completed.
Meles said: "As regards Somalia, the transition period ends in August, but work that should have been completed during that period has not been completed. So, the transition period will more or less be extended. Generally, there are some welcome changes in Somalia. One of the great changes is that the people have reached a stage where they have seriously, seriously opposed Al-Shabab, and nobody caused this but Al-Shabab itself. Al-Shabab pursues a very, very primitive governance system which has irritated the Somali people. The two sides (TFG and Al-Shabab) have shared the control of Mogadishu. The number of people flocking to TFG-controlled areas has increased greatly. The increase in the number of people flocking to areas controlled by such a weak government shows how much the Somali people have hated them (Al-Shabab). So, Al-Shabab should be defeated politically but not militarily. It can only be defeated militarily after being defeated politically. Thus, it can be said that there is a chance for change since it (Al-Shabab) is being alienated from the people and enfeebled politically. The TFG is not doing thing they way it ought to, and we should support it, because criticizing from afar is not enough." Meles Zenawe said in a lengthy speech at the parliament proceeding.
