Disservice to African Initiatives

By:-  Binyam Teferi

Nov 14, 2006

            Reports on the fluid situation in Somalia remain copious though by no means definitive to go by as they reflect interests of so many players.

            As tensions escalate after the collapse of the Khartoum talks, the latest was saying, Somali women have implored the world community to come to their rescue by consolidating the TFG, and with it of course, the federal institutions.

            'International Herald Tribune' has portrayed the motherly intuitive feeling of keeping at bay looming danger threatening theirs as well as the lives of loved ones, prime victims of violence.

            'Eleven nations feed Somali war build-up' reads a news item posted on Reuters run web-site, just another token reminding us of the grave situation in the war-torn Horn of Africa nation.

            Weapons or supplies were never lacking as they made their way into Mogadishu inflating SCIC ego, emboldening them to take more coercive measures in their drive to impose political Islam laced with irredentism.

            What is more embarrassing and disheartening is the irresponsibility displayed by some from the print media bent on impeding African initiatives seeking to legally and peacefully resolve  the simmering crisis in Somalia.

            Kenya, as IGAD and AU member state could not fail Somalis in their effort for dialogue and peace.  Amidst irredentist rhetoric and claims by the SCIC, if it renounces blatant breach of international law, unless out of their senses, no one could give credit to others for appropriate measures they have taken.

To the utter dismay of its readers, the 'East African Standard' was 'blaming' Ethiopia for Kenya's resolve to stand committed on the side of the TFG and the Somali people in their quest for peace.

Serving the truth is what they say the kernel of professional journalism.  This would not be lost, believes this writer, on the editors and publishers.

All the same, in an attempt to cover up for a series of transgressions of professional ethics - biased reporting - they preferred accusing Ethiopia of pressurizing its neighbor instead of exposing the true nature of the jihadists at the helm of the leadership of the SCIC, bent on unleashing havoc in Somalia and the sub-region in a futile attempt to impose their wishes.

Denying the fact on the ground, not to mention ample evidence for the adventurism and militant approach of the SCIC, stalemate in the Somalia peace talks, according to the esteemed editors, was predicated on the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, figment of the worst SCIC imagination, used by the same as a stunt.

All states in the sub-region or beyond have decidedly a stake in Somali peace.  This holds true, I think, for those working for East African too.

Failing to uphold with high esteem African initiatives to promote peace and democracy is a disservice to the impoverished continent ravaged by war and civil strife.

Following an unprecedented democratic elections, Ethiopia has, with heightened vigor, embarked upon consolidating the nascent democratic order which could proceed unhindered only if lasting peace prevails in the Horn.

No amount of provocation could disengage Ethiopia from the battle its waging against poverty.

Role of the media, in this regards, is indispensable.  No matter what, they have to stay the course at the forefront in the battle against all social evils including terrorism and poverty that feeds it.

Or, cherished ideals have lost their appeal, may be, owing to plummeting prices.