|
Somalia: warlords beat feet
(SomaliNet) Former trade minister Muse Sudi Yalahow and warlord turned businessman Bashir Rage Shirar who both had also given up the membership of the defeated alliance for restoration of peace and counter terrorism (ARPCT) which was believed to have been backed by the US government, are reported to have left their strong residences in north Mogadishu overnight and sailed on a boat from the shore. Both leaders were seen sailing one of the speedy boats from Lido coast in Karan district of north Mogadishu, they carried no weapons, they were alone and it is not known where they have gone, Ubah Abukar, one of the residents told Somalinet on Saturday. There have been conflicting reports on where they were heading to and sailed. Sources close to Muse Sudi and Bashir Rage say they have properly been called by US navy officials in Djibouti and sent them a craft to take them to the US navy base in horn of Africa. It is yet known why the US navy officials called the warlords who were finished in more than three months bloody street battles with Islamic courts union who now controls most of the Somalia capital city Mogadishu and extended its power to central regions in Somalia. Some reports say they might have gone to Addale or Eldher districts of Galgadud region; both districts are alongside the northern coast of Somalia. Before their departure, both warlords did not talk to anyone or informed the people their sailing. Abdulahi Sheekh Hassan, one of the well known Somali politicians who were so close to Sudi and Rage confirmed the reporters the departure of both leaders but declined to comment on their voyage. Mr. Hassan denied that the weapons of Muse Sudi were looted as one of local FM stations in Mogadishu broadcasted on Saturday morning. It is untrue and baseless assertion there have been no looting on the weapons left by Muse Sudi, the weapons are in hands of the elders of his sub-clan Daud of Abgal clan, Hassan said. Posted by: Fred 2006-06-18 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=156479 |