Some In Qaeda Leave Pakistan For Somalia And Yemen

Kanini Evans Kariuki

June 06, 2009

PRESIDENT Obama´s historic, balanced and meticulously delivered speech at Cairo University, Egypt, on June 4th 2009 was received and enthusiastically welcomed by all Somalis and some Somali lawmakers.

These legislators made notable remarks in reaction to the president´s speech, stating that USA has shouldered its global responsibility in fairness and openness which will enhance a panacea to the protracted conflict, and obliterate the reigning mood of suspicion and mistrust between the Muslim and Western Nations.

Even though Obama did not explicitly mention the long–drawn out conflict in Somalia , Mr. Dan Sreebny, Senior Advisor for Regional Media at the United States embassy, London, gave tips on Obama´s diplomatic goals in Africa and the Middle East,while in answer to curious questions in Kenya´s largest circulating newspaper,the Daily Nation,dated June 6, 2009.

Sreebny clearly stated that the Obama administration is working to address the Somali conflict and the respective departments and agencies have embarked on a process of studying the challenges of Somalia which include security, sea piracy, terrorism, inclusive reconciliation, economic development and institutional capacity- building, besides the noble tenet of good governance.

Notwithstanding the fact that Obama has been in office not more than five months, he has demonstrated aptly that he is a global figure despite inheriting an economic turn down, the run- down financial institutions, as well as the vehicle manufacturers bankruptcy .

His first executive order was the closure of the much-talked- about prison for the alleged prisoners of Al Qaeda or linked to the Al Qaeda.

This move was aimed at projecting a sound image for America and to enable its Justice system flow in an appropriate fashion or procedure.

Many Somalis are pessimistic that the current Somalia administration is deeply engaged in fighting with the Al-Shabaab and Hizb Islalm without putting in place the proper utilization of the mass media, as well as improving the administration’s public relations with the Diaspora, and the relatively peaceful regions like Puntland and Somaliland.

The best way of enabling the beleaguered administration of Somalia function appropriately would have been preferably operating in various areas that accept this administration.

It is apparent that president Sharif's administration controls very few districts of Mogadishu – Somalia´s capital city which implies that the president lacks a solid power base and,more so, since his constituency which is Middle Shabble region, - its capital Gohar, is controlled by the Al-Shabaab group.

In order to demonstrate to the world that president Sharif´s administration is functioning, it would be prudent to locate the Transitional Federal parliament in Puntland temporarily.

The Americans and the international community should make quick and well-calculated steps and/or plans to contain the Somalia crisis, lest it spills over the Horn and the East African countries.

The recent fighting between the rival Islamist groups battled for control of Central Somalia towns, killed nearly 60 fighters while several hundreds of people were displaced; the injured were confronted by the excruciating situation of lack of proper medical care and treatment .

These areas are located in the Central regions of Somalia which have been ravaged by drought and acute water shortages, as the fighting rages in Mogadishu occasioning an ugly episode whereby a vehicle owned by AMISOM was exploded by dynamite while cruising at the KM4 road, resulting to the death of one person and others injured.

The AMISOM convoy opened fire on the by-standers killing and injuring a number of children.

It is imperative to note that the Obama administration is working tooth and nail to address the security challenges.

The National Security Council ( NSC ) has brought together the Department of State, the Department of Defence, USAID, the intelligence community, and a variety of other agencies to work to develop a strategy that is both comprehensive and sustainable. 

PRESIDENT OBAMA,THIS IS HIGHLY COMMENDABLE AND I DO GIVE YOUR INDEFATIGABLE ADMINISTRATION A PAT ON THE BACK.THANK YOU.

Kanini Evans Kariuki is a veteran Kenyan Journalist with several years of experience behind him. He was born on July 10, 1963 in Nakuru town,Rift Valley province, Kenya, at Kivumbini estate. His entire family members later shifted from Kivumbini to Flamingo estate, then Kimathi, Thumaina, Langalanga and then to Free Area, near the Lanet Army Barracks where they settled.
Kanini has been trained on Journalism and ethics by the Media Institute in Kenya, and has also undergone various in-house trainings in journalism with the Daily Nation Media Group, East Africa's largest circulating newspaper.

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