Somali warlords to meet in Ethiopia

Hussein Aidid is one of those meeting in Ethiopia

By Hassan Barise in Mogadishu

A major meeting of warlords opposed to the new Somali government is due to take place in Ethiopia.

There had been talk of reconciliation with the Mogadishu government after faction leader Mohamed Qanyareh Afrah joined the new administration last Friday.

The planned meeting in Ethiopia has ended this sense of optimism.

Somalia got its first central government for 10 years at the end of last year, but it has had trouble asserting its authority beyond the capital Mogadishu.

Special flight

A delegation of more than 12 people - including faction leaders Hussein Mohamed Aidid, Osman Ali Atto, Muse Sudi Yalahow - took a special plane to Ethiopia on Friday.

Before the flight, each of the warlords arrived at the airstrip with heavily armed militiamen - an indication of the continuing moistrust between them.

According to the political advisor of faction leader Osman Ali Atto, each of the warlords has received a separate and official invitation from the government of Ethiopia.

The political adviser, Mr Mohamed Diriyeh Elmi, said the flight to Addis Ababa was just a part of what he called the on-going reconciliation efforts for Somalia.

Government concern

Mr Elmi declined to speak about the state of negotiations.

"All I can tell you," he said, "is that we're for peace and today's departure to Addis Ababa is just for the enhancement of reconciliation in the country."

There is no word as yet from the Somali government over the departure of the warlords to Addis Ababa.

However, an official speaking anonymously expressed concern over the new move.

He said: "I fear it might mean a new change of heart from the side of Ethiopia towards Somalia or might also mean another new tactic to jeopardize our efforts."