The title of this topic really captures the position of Hawiye elders and leaders who met the Ethiopian officials during the current conflict and prior. However, Ethiopians were circusmpect of such an idiosyncratic position of these so called traditonal leaders, Akils, scholars of Hawiye. Ethiopia declined their request and considered it an insult in overstepping the authority of the TFG and jeapordizing the trust of the Somali people it represents. Yet, it was normal for the Hawiye to invite for negotiation in hopes of gaining illusive advantage over what they perceieve as internal enemies. Ethiopia's position as well AU troops is that they are assisting the Transitional Government consolidate its authority and not assisting Darood government as their own puppets.
Walaahi, I was listening to Al Jazeera yesterday and these were the words the reporter commented on. I was forced to shake my head in disgust.
What you guys think?
