Ceasefire+condemns+US+action+in+Somalia,+Ceasefire+Campaign

Media Release from the Ceasefire Campaign
=Ceasefire condemns US action in Somalia=

The Ceasefire Campaign would like to join other peace-loving people and organizations in condemnation of the Unites States’ air strikes in Southern Somalia. The US backed Ethiopian offensive in that region appears to have been long in the planning as have the air strikes. This suggests that there is more to the US’s actions, which will ferment intra-conflict in Somalia, than combating ‘terrorism’ or coming to the aid of the beleaguered interim government against Somali Islamists.

Why promote more war when you are running out of human and economic resources to continue the ones the US is already involved in the Middle East? And when it seems many US citizens are against military aggression? It certainly appears as if the US aggression is benefiting a small coterie of warmongers and oil barons intent on exploiting the natural resources of the targeted countries in the name of American foreign policy.

We also question the deployment of peacekeeping forces if they are to be mainly from those countries receiving military training and assistance from the American government. In addition, the hegemonic nature of the mission would be increased with the funding the US has committed to it.

We encourage South Africa to consider these points when making a final decision on whether to contribute troops to an AU peace mission. South Africa should also participate in line with the principles outlined in its policy on involvement in peace missions. In that policy South Africa makes a commitment to concentrate on peace building not peace enforcement. It also encourages more civilian involvement in peace missions and we would suggest that alternative dispute resolution action be initiated.

The core initiative should come from the Somalis themselves. The AU should play a role in bringing both sides together with the intention of establishing a sustainable and mutually acceptable resolution.

We accept that the history of the region and the differing ideological groupings are complex and not as simple as they appear on the surface. However, that does not mean that neo-colonialism and aggressive military solutions should be condoned.


 * Laura Pollecutt**

Executive Member, Ceasefire Campaign


 * 27 11 403 5315**

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