Ypsilanti action calls attention to terrorism in homeland
Sunday, January 28, 2007
BY TRACY DAVIS
News Staff Reporter
Huddled under the eaves of a building at South Huron Street and Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti, Michigan, about 15 local Somalis waved signs and posters urging an end to terrorism in their home country and asking the United States for help.
Passing cars honked as group members waved back, chatting and occasionally stamping feet to stay warm in the damp January air.
What they hope, said organizer Mohamoud Nor, is for the support of the U.S. government and African troops as the Somali government tries to strengthen itself, and peace, freedom, democracy and an end to terrorism.
What they hope, said organizer Mohamoud Nor, is for the support of the U.S. government and African troops as the Somali government tries to strengthen itself, and peace, freedom, democracy and an end to terrorism.
"We'd be thankful if the Unites States can help in any way it can,'' said Samatar Mohamed of Ypsilanti, as Nor nodded hopefully.
"The United States historically has helped other countries in difficulty,'' he added.
Hani Said Garabyare of Ann Arbor, who attended the gathering with her parents, said women's rights are also important, and that she hopes for the support of the United Nations as well.
According to Census 2000, about 72 people of Somalian ancestry live in Washtenaw County. The country has become a new focus of attention recently, as Ethiopian troops, whose military strength was crucial to helping Somalia's government drive out a radical Islamic militia, begin withdrawing from the country.
Many Somalis resented the Ethiopian presence; their countries fought a war in 1977. But without Ethiopia's tanks and fighter jets, the Somali government could barely assert control outside one town and couldn't enter the capital, Mogadishu, which was ruled by the Council of Islamic Courts. The U.S. has accused the group of having ties to al-Qaida.
The withdrawal of Ethiopia, which says it cannot afford to stay in Somalia, raises a sense of urgency for the arrival of a proposed African peacekeeping force. The African Union has approved a plan to send about 8,000 peacekeepers for a six-month mission that would eventually be taken over by the U.N.
Nigeria, Malawi and Uganda have said they want to contribute troops, but no firm plans are in place.
Earlier this month, Ethiopian and U.S. forces were pursuing three top al-Qaida suspects but failed to capture or kill them in an airstrike in the southern part of Somalia. A main target that time was Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, one of three senior al-Qaida members blamed for the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Tracy Davis can be reached at [email protected] or 734-994-6856.
Source: AP, Jan 28, 2007