Tribal Disagreements
There's just no break in the violence and the tribal, religious, political, social warfare in Africa. And the interference of one country in the affairs of another. And the lack of interference of neighbouring countries in the affairs of another. And the constant destabilization of inter- and intra-national groups advancing their murderous agendas.If it isn't Ethiopia, or Ivory Coast or Democratic Republic of Congo, or Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, or Sudan, it's Somalia. Yes, that Somalia, where the Horn of Africa is plagued with pirates preying on international shipping routes, taking vessels and crews prisoner for ransom. Yes, that Somalia, where al-Shabaab has been waging an Islamist war against the Mogadishu-resident government.
That's the al-Shabaab that threatens aid organizations and refuses to permit them entry to ease the starvation circumstances of a drought-plagued agricultural community. Preferring that people starve along with their animals rather than allow humanitarian groups to offer medical help, food, water, shelter.
It's also the al-Shabaab that recruits Somalia youth from abroad, bringing them back home for induction into jihad. Dreadfully violent jihad. With some diversions such as abductions of foreigners who visit neighbouring Kenya for rest, relaxation and pleasure in its natural beauty. The kidnapping of Doctors Without Borders humanitarian personnel included, as well.
So Kenya is rather upset and more than a little fed up. It has launched an offensive, in an agreement with the government of Somalia, to surround and confront and battle al-Shabaab on its home front. "Jets have flown low over Afmadow, terrifying the residents, while al-Shabaab is digging trenches and tunnels for defence inside and around Afmadow."
Al-Shabaab has its fighter columns, battle-wagons with mounted heavy machine guns. They're ready to defeat the intruders and send them packing. What chance has an undermanned conventional, even well-provisioned and -armed military against the tactics of guerrillas?
Labels: Africa, Islamism, Terrorism, Traditions
posted by Pieface @ Wednesday, October 19, 2011
<< Home