Ethiopian troops secure Somali capital for government

Somalia’s prime minister entered the capital yesterday, — one day after the Islamic Courts Movement’s fighters retreated ahead of his Ethiopian-backed troops — and was welcomed by thousands of the battle-scarred city’s cheering residents.

While the visit was meant to symbolise the government’s victory, continued fighting is likely due to clan divisions, hatred of Ethiopia and the presence of religious fundamentalism.

Ali Mohamed Gedi drove into the southern part of the city in a heavily armed convoy of 22 vehicles, then toured Mogadishu’s seaport amid tight security.