The civil war in the African horn seems to be having no end in sight. When, international effort led by Ethiopian forces drove away Islamic militants out of the capital, Mogadishu in early 2007, some positive hope had developed. However the last few weeks has seen violence escalating in several prominent places. To make matters worse, human right abuses by the security forces on the civilian population have begun to touch horrific limits.
Those injured in the fighting are not able to reach hospitals in time, due to innumerable security checks. Sadly, in majority of the check-posts, they are even turned back. A situation has developed where roads have become Open Halls of Death. Harassing women sexually at these check points is a common scene and Ethiopian forces seem to be enjoying behaving shamelessly. It looks like they have considered themselves above law.
Talks with Ethiopia have resulted in its officials rejecting all claims of abuses as false. Relentless house-to-house raid, public beating by security troops and check post rapes continues in Somalia, without any remorse. With the transitional government failing to arrive at any political settlement, life in the African horn seems to getting very tough. The International community has to step in a big away.
Ethiopia also has to toe the line. They should not become exploiters.
News Source: Gaurdian
