'Terrorists backing insurgents'

2007-03-14 16:28

Nairobi - Somalia's prime minister said on Wednesday international terrorists are backing insurgents battling his government, but that a reconciliation conference planned for April 16 would unite all Somalis.

Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, speaking to reporters in neighbouring Kenya, appealed to international donors to provide financial support for the conference, which will bring together representatives from all of Somalia's clan and sub clans.

He said moderate Islamic leaders, who were part of a radical movement that took control of Mogadishu for six months last year, could participate in the reconciliation process, but would have to work through their clans.

Gedi's government, the 14th attempt to restore a central government to Somalia since 1992, was created along clan lines, not politics.

Key leaders from the rival Council of Islamic Courts have rejected Gedi's secular, clan-based government. Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the former council leader, has offered to hold talks with Gedi, but has insisted on meeting as equals.

The African Union (AU) also appealed for the leaders of the ousted Islamist movement to return home and join the reconciliation conference.

Insurgents launching attacks daily

"We appeal to the leaders ... wherever they are, to return back and attend the country's stabilisation and national reconciliation conference," said AU spokesperson in Somalia, captain Paddy Akunda.

Insurgents have launched almost daily attacks against government forces and offices in Mogadishu since Ethiopian troops drove out the Islamic forces in December. Ethiopian troops, who continue to protect the government, often retaliate with artillery fire that leaves numerous civilian casualties.

Gedi said on Wednesday that he was deploying 4 000 Somalia security forces in Mogadishu to fight the insurgents.

He said they were led by radical elements of the Islamic courts and had ties to international terrorists, but declined to be more specific.

Meanwhile, Kenyan security forces have been put on alert over the influx of Somalis smuggled into the country through coastal towns, according to documents obtained by the AP.

The alert follows a US embassy alert of a possible terrorism threat during this month's world cross-country championships in Mombasa.

- AP