EPRDF troops clash with Islamists

Also in the news: Troops shelling central town, Questions raised by University Students, ANALYSIS-U.S. may be heading for new setback in Somalia, In response to Dr. Maru Gubena’s article

International: Bemba accepts DR Congo poll loss, Gaddafi in Nigeria airport drama, official Leftist wins Ecuador presidency, Face transplant woman able to smile and more of today's top stories

Qaliti qalkidan (Covenant) Petition - Sign it!

At least 10,000 signatures needed before the Christmas holiday break

On November 16, 2006, Representatives Donald Payne of New Jersey and Michael Honda of California held a historic briefing in the United States House of Representatives to expose the truth about the massive human rights violations in Ethiopia. All Ethiopians deeply appreciate the extraordinary efforts of Representatives Payne and Honda and their outstanding staff in coordinating this briefing.(More...)


-Also visit Qaliti Covenant’s website For:

• Video Excerpt of the Inquiry Commission’s deliberations presented at the briefing Which shows the Inquiry Commission clearly voting 8-2 against the government of Ethiopia for having used excessive force on civilians. You will also find additional material regarding the inquiry commission’s report on the website

Questions raised by University Students (Amharic)

(More...)

EPRDF troops 'clash' with Islamists

Ethiopian forces have exchanged fire with Islamists in a strategic town north of Somalia's capital, officials of the powerful Islamic movement say. The Union of Islamic Courts chairman Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed told a rally in Mogadishu that Ethiopian forces began shelling Bandiradley at 0300 GMT.

Earlier this month, Islamists captured the town near semi-autonomous Puntland, which has strong ties to Ethiopia. There is no independent confirmation of the fighting and no Ethiopian reaction.(More...)

ANALYSIS-U.S. may be heading for new setback in Somalia

NAIROBI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Twice badly burned in Somalia, the United States appears to be pursuing a third intervention that many Western and regional diplomats say could set off a disastrous war in the Horn of Africa.

Sent into a policy tailspin by its backing of Mogadishu warlords toppled by Islamists earlier this year, Washington has resurrected a two-year-old plan to send African peacekeepers into Somalia.

Peacekeeping, Somalia and the United States have proved a volatile mix. Washington abandoned a joint operation with the United Nations after 18 U.S. soldiers were killed and hundreds of Somalis slaughtered in the 1993 "Black Hawk Down" incident.

U.N. diplomats say Washington is expected this week to unveil a draft Security Council resolution authorising the peacekeeping mission.(More...)

Somali Islamists accuse Ethiopia of shelling central town

MOGADISHU (AFP) - Somalia's powerful Islamist movement has accused neighboring Ethiopia of shelling an Islamist-held central Somali town, ratcheting up tension and fears for all-out war.

Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, leader of the executive wing of the Supreme Islamic Council of Somalia (SICS), said Tuesday that Ethiopian forces were attacking Bandiradley, about 630 kilometers (394 miles) north of Mogadishu.

"Ethiopian soldiers have massed around Bandiradley and started firing missiles toward our positions," he told a crowd of more than 10,000 people in the capital, denouncing the Ethiopian presence in Somalia and the United States.

"Their tanks are trying to surround the area and now they are about 10 kilometers (six miles) away from the town where our fighters are based," Ahmed said.(More...)

In response to Dr. Maru Gubena’s article
Yinegal Belachew

I read Dr. Maru Gubena’s article with a lot of interest. This interest came because we both belong to the same generation he called “ Golden Period Generation” and share more or less the same experiences. It would have been wise and scientific to wait until Part II come out and read what is in it to conclude and learn what Dr. Maru Gubena wants us to. I chose not to wait.

I agree to most of the analysis given by Dr. Maru Gubena and do agree on the historical part of the analysis. Two foundations he based his analysis on put their weight on the other side of the scale. (More...)

Gaddafi in Nigeria airport drama

Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has been involved in a diplomatic incident as he arrived in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, for a summit.

Nigerian officials say Col Gaddafi was accompanied by more than 200 heavily armed Libyan bodyguards.

When security officers refused to allow them to keep their weapons, an argument ensued and Col Gaddafi stormed off.

Only when Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo intervened did the bodyguards agree to hand in their weapons. (More...)

Today's Top Stories

-Bemba accepts DR Congo poll loss
-NBC to use 'civil war' to describe Iraq
-Prime minister opts to see visiting pope
-Leftist wins Ecuador presidency, official says
-Face transplant woman can smile
-Wrong turn puts driver on the rails