By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Heavy attacks continue between insurgents and government soldiers, backed by Ethiopian forces. From Wednesday night to Thursday morning, at least 25 people were killed and more than 100 wounded when Ethiopians launched a major offensive against insurgents. The move was triggered by an Islamist insurgent attack on a military convoy that killed five Ethiopian and Somali soldiers.

Ethiopians acted quickly out of fear the bodies would be dragged in the streets. In November 2007, the bodies of two Ethiopian soldiers were dragged through the streets of Mogadishu, as a large group cheers and celebrated behind.

Mogadishu has been a battle ground since the ousting of the Islamist Ruling court and the entrance of Ethiopian troops into Somalia in January 2007.

The major battles and clashes have taken place near the Bakara market, however the African Union (AU) warned that opposing forces have expanded their insurgent activities to areas that were previously peaceful and could be planning attacks in the Middle and Lower Juba regions. According to a report by AU Commission Chairman Alpha Konar, the insurgents are taking advantage of the instability and the government’s inability to deploy troops in all regions.

Neighboring African nations have taken the initiative to offer assistance. The first battalion of 210 Burundian soldiers has been deployed to Somalia. Another 850 soldiers are ready to go and awaiting equipment. In total, 1,700 Burundian soldiers are expected to be deployed. 1,600 Ugandan soldiers have been in Mogadishu since March. The African Union peacekeeping force is expected to ultimately number 8,000 soldiers.

For more information please see:

AllAfrica.com- Somalia- Anti-Government Activities Spreading, Warns AU – 21 January 2008

Yahoo News- Final Burundi Peace-Keepers Leave for Somalia- Spokesman – 20 January 2008

BBC- Doctors Struggle to Treat Somalis – 18 January 2008

AllAfrica.com – Somalia- Heavy Battles in Mogadishu Kill 20, Wound 90 – 17 January 2008