Mogadishu, 6 June (AKI) - After Islamists won on Monday the decisive clash for the control of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, the Somali Islamic Courts Union has started preparing the unification of Mogadishu under a single administration, satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera reported on Tuesday. This will be the first time that Mogadishu will be controlled by a single group since the collapse of dictator Siad Barre's regime 16 years ago. The Islamic Courts Union chairman, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, told a local radio on Tuesday that Islamists "won the final battle against the enemies of Islam and now Mogadishu is completely controlled by our sons." 'One Turban to rule them all.
One Turban to find them,
One Turban to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mogadishu where the Shadows lie.' |
Sheik Ahmed also asked the capital's poplulation to cooperate with the Islamist forces in the administration of the city. However, public opinion seems to be divided about the new power gained by the Islamic Courts Union.
On the one hand, some fear that the Islamist militia might decide to march on Baidoa, some 250 Kilometers from Mogadishu, where the Somali transitional government has its headquarters. Many think that might spread further chaos and political instability. | Getting them strung out on a lonely desert road has possibilities |
On the other hand, a large part of Mogadishu's population believe that the Islamic Court Union's administration "will quickly bring peace and stability," according to Al-Jazeera's online service. Many hope that the Islamists will be able to provide the country with stability, following the example of the Talibans in Afghanistan.
Tribal leaders interviewed by Al-Jazeera said they hope that the heads of the Islamic Courts Union, after the creation of a provisional body for the administration of Mogadishu, will re-open the harbour and the airport, granting new impulse to local economy.
Part of the population particularly welcomed the Islamists' victory because they are seen as the only ones who will be able to stop kidnappings, rapes and robberies which have characterised the last 10 years in Mogadishu. |