It is to be recalled that the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia was formed following a week-long Congress in Asmara. The Congress for the Re-liberation and Reconstitution of Somalia was a turning point to the Somali political situation but a big blow to the Woyane.

The union of Islamic courts, former parliament members, representatives of Somalis in the diaspora and different public organizations, and Somali politicians took part in the Congress. More than 350 Somalis participated in the Conference from which 191 were elected as members of the Central Council.

Hidri’s Alamin Mohammedbrhan interviewed the Chairman of the Alliance, Shiek Sherief Shiek Ahmed regarding the current Somali situation in general and the newly formed Alliance in particular. Excerpts:

Q. How did you get involved in politics?

A. During the fall of the Siad Bare regime, I was in Somalia. It was obvious that the then Somali situation would burden the future of the country. The situation was critical and upsetting, but I had no intention that I could contribute in addressing the issue. I didn’t expect that a better and powerful government would take power and hence solve the Somali crises. The Somali situation went from bad to the worst and I left for the Sudan to continue my education. However, being there I shared the suffering with my people. Since the agenda was to divide the Somali people and endanger the national security, different fronts, based on ethnicity, started to be formed. These fronts were supported by western powers and Ethiopia. When I was a student, different fruitless reconciliation conferences were conduced. Because, diplomats who were in Somalia at that time tried to complicate the issue, Somalis could not come to a common understanding.

In 2000, I returned to Somalia with a new vision. I met different intellectuals and called upon them to solve our problem by ourselves. As a result, in 2003 a congress that represented Somali intellectuals was formed. There was a conference, on Somali reconciliation, in Nairobi at that time. So, using the opportunity, we were able to mobilize many Somalis through the mass media. Our argument was that, the Somali issue should only be solved by Somalis. Consequently, Somalis in Mogadishu formed alliances.

Kidnapping was a common phenomenon in Somalia at that time. Many Somalis and foreigners were often kidnapped by different groups. When I was a teacher in a secondary school, a 12 year old student was kidnapped from our school. Then the teachers immediately formed two committees: The one discussed the kidnapping issue in general and the second looked after the kidnapped student. I was leading the second committee. We traveled into different places and argued that we should bring about a lasting solution. We visited many places and talked to different intellectuals and ethnic group leaders. Then, we were able to form an alliance and I was elected president of the Alliance. And those who were charged of the kidnappings were punished. In short, this was how I become involved in my country’s political activities.

Q. How was the Union of Islamic Courts formed?

A. Many courts were formed by late 2003. However, since the group of kidnappers was increasing and were well equipped, these courts could not face them separately. Some of the groups had strong relationship and were dangerous. They kidnapped nationals, especially intellectuals, and sent them either to Ethiopia, America or other places. The kidnapping was not only for money, but also had political agenda. American planes took many people from the Somali air ports. Anyone who left his house had never believed that he could return back safe. When the number of kidnappers, their assistants, and burglars increased and they become powerful, the main option we had was to strengthen the courts. Negotiations that started in 2003 came across different challenges and obstacles. However, in 2005 the Union of Islamic Courts was formed.

Q. What is the reason behind the Woyane invasion?

A. Ethiopia has been following a strategy of expansion in the Horn of Africa and the Somali people are one of the victims. All the Ethiopian regimes that came to power have attacked Somalia. Mongustu Hailemariam divided Somalia in terms of ethnicity, left the people in a dilemma and overthrew the former government. We can’t blame the Ethiopian people in this regard for themselves are victims of the Woyane regime. Every political system that takes power in Addis Ababa violates the rights of the Ethiopian people so as to keep its power. No system has ever come to power that serves the interest of the Ethiopian people. The Oromo people, despite forming the largest group, always suffer from the brutal policies of the successive Ethiopian systems. During the last one hundred years, their land was confiscated and the people were forced to seek refugee in different countries. The Oromo people, who migrated to Somalia 30 years ago, either have been kidnapped or killed by the Ethiopian regimes or they fled Somalia to escape persecution.

Not only has the Ethiopian regime victimized its own people but also invaded neighboring counties. It is clear that, a hundred years ago Ethiopia did not have its present population or its present shape. They have been invading the land of others all the time. During the scramble for Africa, Ethiopia was demanding its share. They could perceive this as a pride, but it is not. Invaders are greedy, for example, Somalia posses a coastal area, it is located in a strategic place, it is a trade center and has a potential in natural resources. At present, it is common to see different foreign companies competing to explore these resources. Be it the Meles regime or its predecessors have struggled to occupy Somalia. The Ethiopian regimes spent the 20th century in invading Oromo, Somalia, Eritrea and other places. One practical example is that they have invaded part of Somali land.

Siad Bare had relations with the then Soviet Union and America. But when he engaged in war with Mengustu, both powers agreed to overthrew him. Ethiopia worked a lot in overthrowing Siad bare and started a civil war by supporting different parties in Somalia.

Q. It is said that the Courts have a link with terrorists, to be specific, some of your members, especially Sheik Zahr Oweys?

A. The Court of Islamic Union was formed by Somalis initiative, not by foreign powers. The desire for the establishment of the Court’s union is not an Islamic issue. It developed out of the aspiration and support of the Somali people. The unification of the Courts has solved one part of the problems. We stood against the western policy of invading Somalia. The aim of the West is to create conflict among the Somalis and then allow foreign troops to enter the country; just like what happened in 1993. At that time, American and international troops entered Somali. However, since they couldn’t stand against the people’s desire, they were forced to withdraw. The Somali people do not accept any foreign invasion or interference under any circumstance. Today, Ethiopia’s invasion is renewed by the blessing of others. American and other African troops are supporting the invasion.

Because we stood against Ethio-American conspiracy, they had to look for reasons to justify their invasion. They blamed us of being terrorists. In reality, however, the Union of Islamic Courts has no relation or any contact with terrorists. We heard of the so called ‘terrorists’ in the mass media like other. Regarding Shiek Oweys, no one resists terrorism as he does. Had you had a chance to know him, you would easily understand how innocent he is. When we were working together, all that he had in his mind was means of solving the Somali situation. He is not antagonist to any country. Of course, he could have talked on different topics about the Somali issue, but this has nothing to do with terrorism. There is hardly any evidence that links the Union of Islamic Courts with terrorism. It is a baseless accusation with ulterior motive. Since the Union has popular support in Somali, the propaganda did not get support from the Somalis. Our people were satisfied by what the Union has done during its short period of administration in bringing about partial solution to the situation in Somalia. Our people understand that the purpose of the accusation against us is to justify the Ethiopian invasion. Americans usually campaign for a long time against a country to impose their interest, and when the propaganda is disseminated, they go into action. In Somalia’s case, I think Americans have understood what they did to blackmail the Union of Islamic Courts was not enough and they realized that they needed extra time.

Q. Did you withdraw or were defeated on the war that was declared against you?

A. The power that stood against the Union of Islamic Courts and the Somali people was huge. Ethiopia declared the war after it had made necessary military preparation. The plan was completed before a year and it received necessary assistance from some African countries and America. So, the Union of Courts decided to keep its strength in order to effectively resist the invasion. When the war started, we put aside our strategy and applied systematic withdrawal.

Q. Where did your soldiers and weapons go?

A. Our soldiers are scattered all over Somali. Although most of our mission is being conducted in Mogadishu, we are in each and every part of the country. We are strongly opposing the invasion at the moment and the Ethiopian army is losing a lot. Our withdrawal was successful and it is helpful for the Islamic Courts and the Somalis.

Before the Woyane invasion, you had 15 years of civil war. What is the basic misunderstanding among you? Can we say that, until the external invasion of your country, the Somali crisis was an internal problem?

The civil war was not an internal crisis. It was fired by foreign involvement. Huge amount of money, goods and weapons were imported to Somalia. They didn’t say to the Somalis ‘fight,’ but they use different techniques of inciting conflicts among the people. They encourage every warlord and promised them power in the country. Then the warlords went to war among each other.

Q. Despite its wicked deeds, can we say that the Woyane invasion played a positive role in bringing you together?

A. Absolutely not! Different Somali political groups have been victims of the Woyane regime. They had no opportunity to establish unity among them. However, the invasion enabled these parties to form a political alliance against the Woyane.

Q. How capable are you to expel the Ethiopia army from your land?

A. The Union has been working inside Somalia. Now we have developed a clear vision and are working together in the political arena with a national mission. The Union has no problem to liberate Somalia. Of course, it takes time for a new power to accomplish its mission, but the Union is born out of the Somali political situation and acquired a significant place in the country. So, we are working tirelessly to free our land.

Q. When will you accomplish your mission?

A. It is difficult to specify a time for a struggle. It depends upon the strategy within the mission. The invading power has already faced defeat and it is clear that our people can not be defeated. They have understood that our people would fight to guarantee our territorial integrity. The Somali parties are fighting against the invaders and the enemy is losing. Hence, our victory is certain and it would not be late.

Q. Is your struggle a Jihad movement?

A. Be it in the Sheria Law or in different international laws, struggle has different explanations. If a country faces any incoming danger, citizens of that country have the right to defend their country. We all agree on this. And, as we are part of this world, we have the right to fight against any power that invades our land. The question is not whether it has an Islamic agenda or not, but what important is our national liberation. Our struggle against invaders is a justification by itself.

Q. You have been elected chairman of the UIC. However, the Union is accused of being a terrorist organization. So, how does the allegation affect your relation with the international community?

A. The Union of Islamic Courts is pure Somali political power and is popular. It is understood that we have the right to fight against any foreign power, and the international community realizes this logic. The Union played an important role in stabilizing Somalia during its short administration.

Q. Would you agree if the interim government calls for national reconciliation?

A. Had there been a government in Somalia we would have agreed; but there are invaders in Somalia not a government. If we have to negotiate, with whom do we conduct the discussion? With the Woyane or with its puppets? Or with the Americans? As long as the invading power is in our land, negotiation is impossible.

This newly formed Front resembles the former Somali Youth Front, a popular Somali front that guaranteed independence to Somalia. What similarities and differences do these two parties have?

Both fronts have similar mission-to liberate Somalia. However, the Somali Youth Front fought against the Western colonizers. The Woyane invasion and the Western colonialism are quite different. The Ethiopian invasion is the worst of its kind in our time and the assistance given to the Woyane by some countries makes the issue more complicated. The negative publicity against the genuine Somali struggle for liberation also gives the issue a different meaning.

Q. Somalia is member of the Union of Arab Countries. Do you get any support from the Union?

A. When we were in Somalia, it led Somali reconciliation process, but after the Woyane invasion, it did nothing.

Q. Eritrea is accused of backing terrorists because it supports the Somali struggle for liberation. What do you say about this?

A. It is the duty of a country to support an oppressed people. All the countries in the Union of Arab Countries, African Union and the UN are responsible to support the Somali people. This is every society’s natural duty.

The Eritro-Somali relation has a long history. There had been mutual cooperation between the two societies and at present, both countries are invaded by the Woyane. The people and Government of Eritrea, therefore, have a moral obligation to support the Somali people. It is a right and a duty at the same time. The accusation, therefore, should not be against Eritrea but against those countries who neglected the Somali people.

According to the international law, invasion is illegal and distortion of facts to justify invasion is also unacceptable. Somalia is an independent and sovereign country which has membership in various regional and international organizations. So, those who abandoned the Somali people should be accused of backing terrorists.

Q. During our struggle for liberation, Eritrea trained and helped the Woyane. But when the Woyane took power in Addis Ababa with the support of Eritrea, the regime deserted the country. What do you comment on this?

A. The issue is about ethics and every society has its own history. It is known that during the Siad Bare administration, the Somali Government helped Meles. The Somali people, realizing the miscarriage the Meles group faced, also stood beside them. But, Meles betrayed us. Basically, the Ethiopian regimes believe in expansion; but Eritrea and Somalia believe in liberty and peace. The Somali people believe in freedom, harmony and progress.

Q. Following the conference you had in Asmara, there was a similar Somali reconciliation conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Were you invited to the conference and how do you see that?

A. We were not invited and we don’t believe that there was a reconciliation conference. There are different motivations presented to justify and legalize the invasion against Somalia and much is said about conducting a successful conference. All this is for the sake of media coverage and it is baseless. If there were reconciliation, with whom did they reconcile? There is no agreement among the puppets themselves. So, if they have reconciled with others, there is no reason why they couldn’t develop a common understanding among themselves.

Some say that there are some opposition groups, other than the interim government, which are not included in the Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS)…

There are representatives from all parties who oppose the invasion. Every Somali part that rejects the invasion is included. The inclusion of these parties would play significant role in accomplishing the political mission and in defining the aim of the struggle.

Q. You are elected chairman during the Asmara Conference. What is your vision for the coming five years?

A. The Somali people have formed an alliance and we will hold a Somali national reconciliation conference inside Somalia. The Somali people should be able to form a political system that represents Somalia’s interest. Somalia is looking for liberty and unity. The Somalis are struggling against invaders. So, the coming years would be years of struggle and success.