By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

Mogadishu, Somalia – Fighting erupted again today in Mogadishu as Somali forces, backed by African Union peacekeepers, sought to reassert control over the capital.   At least seven people were killed in the clashes when a shell fired by Somali forces hit a bus.  In addition to the rising death toll, the latest U.N. report indicates that over 12,000 Somalis have fled Mogadishu over the last month. 

Islamic militants have been able maintain their foothold in Mogadishu and surrounding cities and have dug in for a tough fight to repel government forces.  Roughly 7,500 African Union peacekeepers have been committed to the country to support the ill equipped Somali forces.   The AU is currently investigating a plan to increase its troop presence in Somalia to 20,000 peacekeepers.

This added support however, has not deterred new recruits from joining the ranks of Al-Shabaab.  New reports have found that Al-Shabaab has been able to attract a significant amount of foreign fighters to join their ranks by offering them money to fight.  Fighters are said to receive $250 per month in exchange for their services fighting the Somali government.   At least two dozen Americans have gone to Somalia to fight with militant groups. 

The United States has sought to expand its engagement in Somali by increasing ties with the semi-autonomous regions in the country in order to stem the flow of recruits to Al-Shabaab.  The government hopes it can leverage friendly relations with the leaders of these regions to maintain stability in the country.  The U.S. currently provides political and military support to the government in its fight to neutralize Islamic militants.   Some analysts claim that the U.S. is also responsible for the Thursday’s mysterious helicopter attack against a group of militants. 

As if matters weren’t bad enough, another development is creating additional pressures on the government to defeat the militants.  Merger talks between Hizbul Islam, a group fighting alongside Al-Shabaab, and the al-Qaeda affiliated group, are in their final stages.   Despite a current standstill in negotiations, it is likely that the two groups will reach a final unification agreement.  Leaders of both groups reaffirmed their joint commitment against the government and those who support it.   In July, Al-Shabaab took responsibility for an attack in Uganda which killed over 75 people.  The attack was said to be retaliation for Uganda’s decision to join the AU peacekeeping force.    

For more information, please see:

The Tripoli Post – US Boosts Ties with Break-Away Somalia Regions – 3 Oct. 2010

The Hindu – Clashes in Somalia Leave Seven Dead – 2 Oct. 2010

Sunday Vision – Somalia Al-Shabaab Paid $250 to Die – 2 Oct. 2010

Reuters Africa – Somali Rebel Merger Talks Halt But Will Go On – 29 Sept. 2010