Instead of pushing for accountability and transparency in the so-called “unity government” in Somalia led by President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Clinton and Obama are blaming Eritrea for supporting Al-Shabab.
While Eritrea may be at fault in this matter, Ahmed’s incompetence and his government’s utter failure in establishing any sort of centralized control over Mogadishu, let alone all of Somalia, is to blame for this continuing mess.
The U.S. and Europe have shipped tons and tons of military equipment to the “unity government” and, yet, the Al-Shabab have won every battle. Ahmed has support from literally every developed country in the world, but still cannot even take back the capital of his country.
Eritrea is dirt poor- its GDP is a little over $3.5 billion. It is ranked a mere 166 out of about 200 in the world. Its entire budget is barely half a billion. At 6.3% of GDP, it barely spends 200 million on its military.
Eritrea is already creating trouble with Ethiopia, its erstwhile master, over border demarcation issues. It is already blamed by Sudan for supporting rebels in its east.
Honestly, how much money does it have to fund 3 separate wars?
Ethiopia invaded Somalia, with American help, but couldn’t push Al-Shabab out. Does it all hinge upon the support of a near bankrupt state?
The West needs to fix the government in Mogadishu, a government it created out of the blue without any popular support, instead of blaming some other third party for the mess.
