26 July 2010, Kampala - At the African Union summit in Uganda, leaders from the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), held a mini-summit on Monday on how to respond to the security crisis in Somalia, following recent terrorists attacks in Kampala claimed by Al-Shebab.

The meeting was attended by presidents from the east and Horn of Africa as well as representatives of the United States, France and Britain, who continue to back the African Union mission in Somalia as well as the beleaguered transitional federal government.

The transitional president of Somalia, Sheikh Shariff Ahmed, was also here to plead his case.

Following terrorist attacks in Kampala two weeks ago claimed by al-Shebab, host President Yoweri Museveni set the tone, saying now is the time to take decisive measures against the Somali militant Islamists.

"I recommend that African Union members do not accept this arrogance," he said. "Who are these people who dare to attack the African Union flag?

"Let us now accept in concert and shift them out of Africa. Let them go back to Asia and the Middle East, where I understand many of them come from. As for some of the local Somali people that allow themselves to be used in this way, our Somali brothers and sisters have the answer. They know how to deal with them. I personally reject this new form of colonialism through terrorism."

African Union Commissioner for peace and security Ramtane Lamamra told RFI additional deployments of troops to Somalia, with a more robust mandate, will take place in a matter of weeks rather than months.

US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson came out of the meeting more categorical on what should be done in Somalia.

"This is a global issue," he said. "We came away even more united and more committed to help do as much as we can to beat Al-Shebab."

It appears even before their decision is put to the full assembly of AU heads of state here, Igad leaders and European and US governments have already decided what will be done, with the deployment of a battalion from Guinea-Conakry and an additional 2,000 troops from Igad member countries to follow soon. (Click to go to the source)
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