From: Amanuel Tseggai (hadendewa@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Nov 07 2009 - 12:27:27 EST
To the Editor:
I have read with interest Eng, Barre Burale’s long article pertaining the situation in Somalia. The writer made some valid points to show how various foreign forces used and continue to use a divide and rule system to weaken Somalia as a nation. It’s my sincere hope that ALL Somalies take his advise seriously and work in unisom to bring about a viable and strong Somalia. Having said that, allow me to correct a comment Eng. Barre made with regard to Eritrea. Let me first assure him that Eritrea does not and never had any fear over Ethiopia’s military misadventure. In reality, it was Eritrea under the leadership of EPLF in collaboration with TPLF (Meles Zenawi’s front) that completely destroyed black Africa’s strongest army in 1991 and gained its independence. Therefore, the writer’s assertion that Eritrea was using Somalia to weaken Ethiopia holds no water. The fact is that Eritrea does not have any involvement in Somalia’s affairs. All
the accusation that are coming out from all corners, including UN, US, AU, IGAD of Eritrea’s support to the “Militants” is nothing but a political maneuver perpetuated to blackmail Eritrea and ease the tension Ethiopian regime finds itself in. Back in December 2006, just before the Ethiopian ruling junta unilaterally invaded Somalia, Ethiopia and some groups with self interest had accused Eritrea of supplying weapons to forces opposing the then TFG government. They even went as far as claiming the presence of some 20000 Eritrean forces in Somalia soil helping the “militants” who disappeared without a trace soon after the invasion. Yes, Somalia people need to unite now more than ever before and say NO in unisom to foreign intervention. The Somalia people also need to demand for evidence of the accusation on Eritrea’s involvement in the conflict other than its political stand. In the nutshell, Eritrea is forced to respond to such
unsubstantiated accusations and demanding the accusers for tangible evidence. Expressing its political stand towards Somalies and refusing to join the evil attempts to disintegrate the country even further is being equated by some, including Eng. Barre, as an interference in Somalia’ affairs. Unless and until he has solid evidence of Eritrea’s direct involvement in the conflict, he should keep Eritrea out of it. Eritrea has nothing to gain and a lot to lose with disintegration of Somalia. The only reason Eritrea was and continues to be on the spotlight was not its making. It was the work of those who see Eritrea a threat to their evil agenda towards Somalia. And, Eritrea is simply responding and defending itself against the never-ending and unfounded allegations directed at it and it will continue to do so.
Peace and Tranquility to the Horn of Africa!!
Amanuel Tseggai