Somalia: Iran, Libya and Egypt helping militia

[ECH1969]

Somalia's prime minister on Saturday accused Egypt, Libya and Iran of providing weapons for Islamic militants who have seized control of much of the country's south, citing unnamed sources within his government.

"Egypt, Libya and Iran, whom we thought were friends, are engaged in fuelling the conflict in Somalia by supporting the terrorists," Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Gedi said.

The accusations came as Somalia's already weak government was unravelling. Two lawmakers were shot this week -- one fatally -- and Gedi was facing a no-confidence vote after 18 lawmakers resigned from his administration.

Meanwhile, a militia known as the Supreme Islamic Courts' Council has steadily gained power, raising fears of an emerging Taliban-style regime. The United States accuses the group of harbouring al-Qaeda leaders responsible for deadly bombings at the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=279177&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/

[xchrom]

1. lol -- you mean some of those countries that bushco named as friends

are finding it usefull for whatever reason to fund terrorists?

quelle surprise.

[bemildred]

2. Put a fork in him, too. He's done. nt

[Opusnone]

3. Since we're in the neighborhood and not too busy

we may as well go spread some freedom around Somalia, too.

My car was keyed last night. It was Iran and North Korea. Because I said so.

[Igel]

4. Sounds iffy.

Wouldn't be surprised if it were individuals in Egypt, and Libya's just a loose cannon. Iran ... very iffy. They get little out of it, and have no dog in that fight.

Now, having people in some other countries support the SICCies, well, that I can see. Even making it look like it's Iran ... possibly.

[bemildred]

5. I thought he was making it up, but who knows? nt