Bishop begs world community: Stop Al Qaeda-linked group from taking over Somalia

December 04, 2009

Reacting to the December 3 murder of three government ministers, the bishop responsible for the care of Catholics in Somalia is urging the world community to stop the radical Islamist militia Shebaab from taking over the nation. Bishop Giorgio Bertin of Djibouti, who also serves as Apostolic Administrator of the Somali capital of Mogadishu, says that “the international community has launched an operation to combat piracy on the sea, but action is needed on the ground, where pirates have their bases. Similarly, there must be a greater effort to help the transitional government, which is internationally recognized, beginning with the block of the flow of weapons, funding, and people who come to Shebaab,” which is linked with Al Qaeda.

“The problem is that while in Djibouti they were debating over how to form the government, the Shebaab in Somalia conquered the territory by force,” added Bishop Bertin. “But in my opinion, they did not win the hearts and minds of Somalis. The people accepted their presence, because it ensures a minimum of order, but they are not strong supporters of their political project.”

There are only 100 Catholics in Somalia, a Muslim nation of 7.8 million.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• “There should be a block in the flow of weaponry, funding, and people to Shebaab," Apostolic Administrator of Mogadishu tells Fides, after the murder of 3 Ministers (Fides)
• Suicide bombing at graduation ceremony in Somalia kills 3 Cabinet ministers (Los Angeles Times)