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SOMALIA: UGANDAN AND SUDAN TROOPS APPROVED May 11, 2005
(SomaliNet) Somali parliament approved two crucial motions today. The first one paves the way for upcoming African troop deployment in Somalia. 145 out of 152 members who were present at the time voted yes when asked if is if fine to bring in Ugandan and Sudan troops into the country. The other equally important motion was to give the government the permission to relocate to Baydhabo and Jowhar until Mogadishu is secured. It got the green light too. Baydhabo is out of reach now as it is controlled by anti-government militia.
Parliamentarians who were absent and powerful Mogadishu warlords who are opposed to the government said the session was illegal and its outcome should not be considered as legal. Mogadishu heavyweight warlords are determined to undermine the new government and fight foreign troops. One of them was quoted as saying I’ll fight as long as I have a drop of blood in my bodyâ€
President Abdulahi Y. Ahmed and Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Geddi were present at today’s session.
Current situation: After two years of reconciliation conference in Nairobi Kenya, a national parliament and government were setup last year. The government still operates out of Nairobi and is preparing to relocate to Somalia. East African nations pledged troops to help the government establish and train national armed forces.