Addis Ababa , October 18, 2008 – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi speaking to the Ethiopian parliament on Thursday refused to set a timetable for Ethiopian forces to withdraw from Somalia but acknowledge that the time for withdrawal is fast approaching.

Recent reports however indicate Ethiopia may have already started pulling its troops out.

The Sunday Herald is reporting that a shipment of Ethiopian weapons, including tanks, have been seen leaving Mogadishu port.

According to the report, bringing the equipment back to Ethiopia by land would have been impossible since Ethiopian troops and their Somali government allies control just three small areas in Mogadishu and a few streets in Baidoa.

The report adds that there are now estimated to be just 2500 Ethiopian soldiers left inside Somalia , down from 15,000-18,000 at the height of the war.

Some 3,000 peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi are in the capital Mogadishu — part of a planned 8,000 strong AU mission.

African nations are wary about sending soldiers to Somalia , where the Ugandans and Burundians have often been attacked, and it is unclear if the AU mission will reach its planned strength.

Meles told legislators his administration was constantly reviewing the situation on the ground, but that there appeared to be little scope for agreement between the warring parties.

“We have explained to the international community that there is no readiness by the leadership in Somalia to take their responsibilities for peace and reconciliation,” he said.

“If the political leaders in Somali show readiness for peace, then our troops can stay for an additional period.”

Meles warned that, even after a withdrawal, he would send his army back into Somalia should the Shabab (Islamists militants) threaten to take power.

“Whenever there's a threat posed, we will come back to break their backs.” he said. “Any government is preferable to the Shabab. It's in the interest of Ethiopia and the Somali people to prevent them from coming to power.”

“The coming few months will indicate where we'll be heading regarding Somalia ,” Meles added.

Source: EthioPolitics, Oct 16, 2008

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