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SOMALIA: BAYDHABO SHOWDOWN LOOMING May 10, 2005
Baydhabo city, once called the city of death by the western media is embracing major battle involving many different militia groups. The tension was high in the city for the past few weeks. It reached the boiling point today after mass militia movement around the city was witnessed by neighboring towns and villages.
The problem started when the new Somali government announced its intention of using the city temporarily until Mogadishu is secured. Small fight broke out among militias who control the city and the pro-government group was forced out of the city after more powerful militia from Mogadishu reached the city. The defeated group is coming back, this time stronger and bolder. Ethiopia is believed to have armed them.
The man who controls the city asked Mogadishu militia leaders to defend the city and they started marching large number of battlewagons toward the city. Now, pro-government men are coming to the city from north and anti-government from south. Residents started fleeing to nearby villages.
Somali politics analysts predict if it happens, Baydabo battle will decide the nation’s fate. If the pro-government group wins, the new government will prevail in Somalia. However, if it turns out the other way, it will be the start of the government’s demise.