By Douglas McIntire, Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
LEWISTON — Following a report that American troops had launched an offensive against Islamic militant group al-Shabab in Somalia on Monday night, a local Somali leader weighed in Tuesday.
Said Mohamud, president of the Somali People's Party and a Somali presidential candidate in 2012, travels extensively between his home in Lewiston and Somalia to bolster his party. He said he welcomed U.S. help in Somalia but cautioned about long-term outcomes.
"We believe military operations alone is not the answer for combating with extremists," Mohamud said.
He said human rights violations, poverty and a lack of freedom of the press make the current Somali government autocratic.
He said the United States has an image of a democratic nation with democratic principles; however, "We see many times U.S. administration siding with autocratic regimes rather than promoting democracy. Look, for instance, at Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya. They all violate the rights of their citizens; nevertheless, they enjoy the great financial supports from the U.S. in Africa."
Mohamud said the U.S. should not simply focus on al-Shabab — uprooting one extremist group only to let another take its place.
"Somali people are willing to have a democratic government that adopts the rule of law, justice for everyone, and respects the civil rights of its citizens," Mohamud said. "The U.S. role in Somalia is not strengthening any of these democratic principles, and we wonder what kind of message that sends to the hearts and minds of the Somali people."
He added, "Everyone is astonished by the actions of the Somali security and intelligence forces who are violating the rights of media, political opponents and citizens in the presence of U.S. military and diplomatic team."
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