THE DECISION BY SOME OF THE INTER-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) member countries to send peace-keepers to Somalia will not work. It only risks inflaming the situation.
Though this may sound like undermining efforts by regional leaders to bring peace to the country, the truth needs to be told. Any sustainable solution to the Somali question can only be found by involving the Islamic courts.
Besides, any military solution will only succeed in creating an environment for war by proxy between Ethiopia and Eritrea, who have strong interests in the country.
Somalis have said it that after 16 years of suffering, they are tired of bloodshed and would like to give peace a chance, by supporting the ongoing power-sharing negotiations between the Islamic Courts and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG).
Yet, Igad member states appear to be making major decisions affecting Somalia without due regard to the sentiments of the group, and the population and even without full support of the entire Igad membership.
The situation on the ground, especially in the vast areas controlled by the Islamists, is that Somalis are ready to take up arms once more should Igad deploy foreign troops.
Apparently, the idea of foreign troops is being pushed by Ethiopia, while other Igad member countries have been reluctant to commit their troops since the transitional government was formed in 2004.
Any overt presence of Ethiopian troops is going to inflame the resentment of the locals, given the historical animosity between Ethiopia and Somalia, coupled with the perception - probably right - that the West is using Ethiopia to keep the country in perpetual turmoil for selfish interests.
It is important that Ethiopia keeps off Somali affairs for the situation to stabilise.
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