While trying to get the boy released, he and others mooted the idea of an Islamic court to deal with rampant crime and banditry in the area. The community then got together, set up the court and elected him chairman. Below are excerpts of the interview:
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Chairman of the Union of Islamic Courts (UICs) Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed |
QUESTION: What structure of government do you favour?
ANSWER: It is possible that the structure of any government is not all that important, but what is important is that it gives the people what they want; that it is based in justice, is broad-based and effective. That is what we think is important for the country.
Q. How are you going to deal with of the militia of the defeated warlords?
A. We want to deal with them appropriately and humanely. We want to set up camps where we can help them rebuild their lives, so they can take part in the country’s reconstruction.
Q. What is the UIC’s position with regard to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG)?
A. Our view is that the TFG has failed to save the country. It is a government established outside the country. It was set up by the government of Ethiopia. The people invited [and] the manner in which they were invited, was decided by IGAD and the biggest influence and interference came from the Addis Ababa government.
The people who were there [the peace conference] were the same people who were the biggest obstacle [to peace and stability] in the last 16 years. The government was supposed to be a government of reconciliation but it has deviated from that goal. Therefore, I think what this government can very limited.
Apart from that, we see that they have now added to the country’s problems. They now want to bring foreign troops into the country. Government ministers were responsible for initiating the fighting in Mogadishu. In truth, we see that they are not capable of meeting the needs and aspirations of the Somali people.
Q. The TFG is internationally recognised and you are now meeting with them in Khartoum. Doesn’t that indicate some sort of recognition of their role and place in Somalia?
A. No it does not. Despite the fact they are a creation of a foreign power and are incapable of representing the Somali people we have decided to talk to them in the interest of the Somali people and to avoid further bloodshed. We are also talking to them out of respect of the international community. That is the only reason.
Q. Are you going to try to help correct what you see as weaknesses or mistakes in the government?
A. Our aim is and has been to find a way to serve the people of Somalia. The important thing is for the people to own the decision-making process, for their decisions to be implemented without any obstacles, and to free the people from the fear they have lived under for the past 16 years. That is the most important goal for us.
Q. So are you trying to hold a conference to try and set up a new government?
A. No. We are not going to set up a government. We are here to serve the people and we want to make sure that this people’s revolution grows into something that will inspire people to stand up for themselves without waiting for help of a government.
Q. Does that mean you want the people to decide and set up their own structures of governing?
A. Yes. The people have to govern themselves and start to set up their own system, so they don’t need to be bullied by whichever government is in power. That way the dictatorship of the past won’t be repeated and people will be free to have the final say in any decisions.
Q. Have you or any of the UIC leaders made contact with international representatives of outside governments?
A. I am sure you are aware that we have sent a number of letters to a number of places. The reason for that was to show that what is happening in Mogadishu was a people’s revolution, and it is important that governments understand and deal with it as such.
Q. Did you receive any responses to your letters?
A. As of now we have not received any official responses but we are seeing that there have been important changes on the views the international community holds about Somalia.
Q. What sort of structures have you set up in Mogadishu and other areas that you control?
A. We have not gone that far yet. We are still in consultation with the opinion makers; the elders, the professionals both in Somalia and in the diaspora. We are seeking the views and advice of the all the good people of Somalia. Once we have done that, we will present it to the people and adopt the best ideas. So, we are still in the middle of the consultations.
Q. Is it true that UIC have started nighttime patrols in Mogadishu?
A. Yes, we have started nighttime patrols to tighten the security of Mogadishu. We want to open the airport, seaport and all other important economic and public sector income sources.
Q. What is your biggest challenge in restoring law and order?
A. We don’t have a specific challenge, but this is a country that has been in chaos for 16 years, with a lot of weapons. We do not need to rush. What is needed is careful thought and attention to set up a workable plan.
Q. Apart from security and the restoration of law and order, what else do you want to achieve?
A. We want to lead our people to justice and equality and for our people to make their own decisions and have their decisions respected.
Q. The UIC has been accused of providing protection to people suspected of engaging in terrorism. Is there any truth to that, and do you have any connection with Al Qaeda?
A. These are false accusations. During the fighting with the faction leaders any foreigners fighting with us would have been apparent. The Somali people are distinctive people and any outsider would stand out in the crowd.
Q. How are you going to relate to the other countries, such as the Western world and in particular the US?
A. We will deal with the rest of the world with respect. We will neither transgress, nor harm or hurt any country. We respect everyone and we expect the same.
Q. You [UIC] have been accused of being anti-American. Is that true?
A. I think it is the American government that is against the Somali people. It is they who attacked the Somali people. It is the US government that gave a lot of money to fund the faction leaders [in the recent fighting]. We believe that the American government was responsible for the fighting. It is the Americans who are against the Somali people. We are not against them.
Q. What is your view on the deployment of peacekeepers in Somalia?
A. Our view is that the deployment of foreign troops is wrong and that Somalia at this point does not need foreign forces. God has resolved the major issues and problems. What Somalis need today is assistance in holding consultations, negotiating with each other and resolving their differences by talking to each other. We need help in disarming and demobilising the militias and reintegrating them into society. We need to reopen economic activities, the hospitals, the schools and clean up our city by collecting the garbage. These are things that donors need to spend money on.
Q. The TFG has demanded that you lay down your weapons. What is your view on that?
A. This is an issue that does not concern the TFG and it should not involve itself, since it has failed to carry out its own responsibilities. We have been entrusted with this task by the people and we don’t see anyone that we should hand weapons to. And so, God-willing, we will continue to carry out our duties. We will have to wait for the day when there is a government that is capable of fulfilling its responsibilities. So, at the moment, I think they [TFG] have not really thought through their request.
Q. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
A. I would like to tell the Somali people wherever they may be that we have an opportunity and we should grasp it. There is a huge change in Somalia and a new day is dawning in answer to our problems. We all must work toward finding answers. We all need to contribute, whether it is material, ideas or advice, on how to resolve our problems. We should try not to lose this opportunity.
Source: IRIN, June 22, 2006
