-
Statesmen's Forum: Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of Somalia's Transitional Government
CSIS hosted a Statesmen's Forum with Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, president of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, on "Somalia: Promoting Peace through International Engagement."
President Sharif spoke in Somali with a continuous English translation. He took questions from the audience after his remarks
Read more at https://csis.org/events/statesmens-forum-sheikh-sharif-sheikh-ahmed-president-somalia’s-transitional-federal
published: 25 Mar 2016
-
Frost Over the World - Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
With Somalian President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Mark Sedwill, NATO Civilian Representative in Afghanistan and Rwandan Foreign Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo.
published: 13 Mar 2010
-
Talk to Jazeera - Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed - 15 Apr 07
As part of Al Jazeera English's Talk to Jazeera series Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a leader of Somalia's Union of Islamic Courts, discusses the group's hopes for Somalia, their opposition to Ethiopian troops and US involvement in the country.
published: 10 May 2007
-
Somalia's president denies corruption allegations
The current president, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed meanwhile, has condemned a UN report accusing senior leaders of corruption. The UN report alleged that 7 out of every 10 dollars donated to the transitional government had gone missing. And there are accusations that Ahmed's entourage tried to influence the selection committee vetting eligible MPs. Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri met him in Mogadishu, and asked about the allegations.
published: 19 Aug 2012
-
London Conference on Somalia: TFG President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
President of theTransitional Fedral Government of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed spoke at the London Conference on Somalia on 23 February 2012. President Sharif Sheihk Ahmed said: "To all of you who have exerted every effort so that you could put an end to the suffering of the Somali people, we would like to say that we appreciate this wonderful effort." You can read full coverage of the Conference here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/ldnsomalia
published: 23 Feb 2012
-
Riz Khan - Sharif Ahmed - 6 Oct 09 - Part 1
The Somali president discusses the challenges facing his country and what he is doing to tackle them. What hope is there for Somalia when the death toll from fighting continues to rise on an almost daily basis?
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strength...
published: 07 Oct 2009
-
President Sharif: Somalia at a Crossroads
At Chatham House, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, appealed for international cooperation to tackle Somalia's humanitarian and development challenges, violence, and piracy. David Stephen, UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Somalia (1997-2001), chaired the event. President Sharif speaks in Somali.
For more information on Chatham House research on Somalia, visit https://www.chathamhouse.org/research/regions/africa/horn-of-africa.
published: 15 Mar 2010
-
Leader of Islamic Courts Council says he will resist government's attacks
(30 Dec 2006)
1. Wide of crowd
2. Mid of executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, zoom in
3. Mid of Islamic Court's leader, Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys, pan left to Ahmed
4. Wide of crowd and Islamic Courts Union (ICU) militia
5.SOUNDBITE (Somali) Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts:
"The Somalis are ready to resist, we are ready for that, and we have decided to fight the enemy. God is great, God is great. We have decided to fight. Therefore, we have entered a new period because we have been working for the security of the people. But today there is another great event because the country is occupied and the country needs its independence."
6. Aweys walking away with ICU militia
STORYLINE
The head of the I...
published: 23 Jul 2015
-
Alshabaab ejected from Mogadishu
Somalia's president Sheikh Sharif Ahmed today declared his military has finally defeated the Al-shabaab militia battling to overthrow his government. He made the statement as government forces took control of positions abandoned by the militant group. Al-shabab withdrew its fighters from Mogadishu after a fierce gunbattle late Friday with Africa union peacekeepers and Somali government forces. The militants had managed to hold the positions for months by creating a network of tunnels from which it was hard to dislodge them. Al-shabab spokesman sheikh Ali rage said the retreat was a tactical move and insisted the insurgents will remain in other towns in southern Somalia.
published: 07 Aug 2011
-
Islamic leader says Ethiopia has sent troops to back up his rival
(18 Jun 2006)
1. Armed men in street
2. Heavy machine gun on vehicle
3. Young boy at wheel of machine gun vehicle
4. Soldier with machine on shoulder with journalists in background
5. Wide shot of press conference room
6. SOUNDBITE: (Somali with English translation) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Courts Union (translator's version):
"And, as we aware of it, just a few hours back then we have our sources that there are Ethiopian troops just past the border of Somalia and coming in."
7. Young boy with gun
8.SOUNDBITE: (Somali with English translation) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Courts Union (translator's version):
"We are so assuring to you that we are not terrorists, we have no relationship with the terrorists, we are not, we are not and ...
published: 24 Jul 2015
1:07:55
Statesmen's Forum: Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of Somalia's Transitional Government
CSIS hosted a Statesmen's Forum with Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, president of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, on "Somalia: Promoting Peace through...
CSIS hosted a Statesmen's Forum with Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, president of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, on "Somalia: Promoting Peace through International Engagement."
President Sharif spoke in Somali with a continuous English translation. He took questions from the audience after his remarks
Read more at https://csis.org/events/statesmens-forum-sheikh-sharif-sheikh-ahmed-president-somalia’s-transitional-federal
https://wn.com/Statesmen's_Forum_Sheikh_Sharif_Sheikh_Ahmed,_President_Of_Somalia's_Transitional_Government
CSIS hosted a Statesmen's Forum with Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, president of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, on "Somalia: Promoting Peace through International Engagement."
President Sharif spoke in Somali with a continuous English translation. He took questions from the audience after his remarks
Read more at https://csis.org/events/statesmens-forum-sheikh-sharif-sheikh-ahmed-president-somalia’s-transitional-federal
- published: 25 Mar 2016
- views: 3020176
45:15
Frost Over the World - Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
With Somalian President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Mark Sedwill, NATO Civilian Representative in
Afghanistan and Rwandan Foreign Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo....
With Somalian President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Mark Sedwill, NATO Civilian Representative in
Afghanistan and Rwandan Foreign Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo.
https://wn.com/Frost_Over_The_World_Sharif_Sheikh_Ahmed
With Somalian President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Mark Sedwill, NATO Civilian Representative in
Afghanistan and Rwandan Foreign Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo.
- published: 13 Mar 2010
- views: 5943
23:18
Talk to Jazeera - Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed - 15 Apr 07
As part of Al Jazeera English's Talk to Jazeera series Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a leader of Somalia's Union of Islamic Courts, discusses the group's hopes fo...
As part of Al Jazeera English's Talk to Jazeera series Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a leader of Somalia's Union of Islamic Courts, discusses the group's hopes for Somalia, their opposition to Ethiopian troops and US involvement in the country.
https://wn.com/Talk_To_Jazeera_Sheikh_Sharif_Sheikh_Ahmed_15_Apr_07
As part of Al Jazeera English's Talk to Jazeera series Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a leader of Somalia's Union of Islamic Courts, discusses the group's hopes for Somalia, their opposition to Ethiopian troops and US involvement in the country.
- published: 10 May 2007
- views: 180468
2:07
Somalia's president denies corruption allegations
The current president, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed meanwhile, has condemned a UN report accusing senior leaders of corruption. The UN report alleged that 7 out of ever...
The current president, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed meanwhile, has condemned a UN report accusing senior leaders of corruption. The UN report alleged that 7 out of every 10 dollars donated to the transitional government had gone missing. And there are accusations that Ahmed's entourage tried to influence the selection committee vetting eligible MPs. Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri met him in Mogadishu, and asked about the allegations.
https://wn.com/Somalia's_President_Denies_Corruption_Allegations
The current president, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed meanwhile, has condemned a UN report accusing senior leaders of corruption. The UN report alleged that 7 out of every 10 dollars donated to the transitional government had gone missing. And there are accusations that Ahmed's entourage tried to influence the selection committee vetting eligible MPs. Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri met him in Mogadishu, and asked about the allegations.
- published: 19 Aug 2012
- views: 11859
19:25
London Conference on Somalia: TFG President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
President of theTransitional Fedral Government of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed spoke at the London Conference on Somalia on 23 February 2012. President Sharif S...
President of theTransitional Fedral Government of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed spoke at the London Conference on Somalia on 23 February 2012. President Sharif Sheihk Ahmed said: "To all of you who have exerted every effort so that you could put an end to the suffering of the Somali people, we would like to say that we appreciate this wonderful effort." You can read full coverage of the Conference here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/ldnsomalia
https://wn.com/London_Conference_On_Somalia_Tfg_President_Sharif_Sheikh_Ahmed
President of theTransitional Fedral Government of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed spoke at the London Conference on Somalia on 23 February 2012. President Sharif Sheihk Ahmed said: "To all of you who have exerted every effort so that you could put an end to the suffering of the Somali people, we would like to say that we appreciate this wonderful effort." You can read full coverage of the Conference here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/ldnsomalia
- published: 23 Feb 2012
- views: 64408
12:20
Riz Khan - Sharif Ahmed - 6 Oct 09 - Part 1
The Somali president discusses the challenges facing his country and what he is doing to tackle them. What hope is there for Somalia when the death toll from fi...
The Somali president discusses the challenges facing his country and what he is doing to tackle them. What hope is there for Somalia when the death toll from fighting continues to rise on an almost daily basis?
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world's most respected news and current affairs channels.
Social Media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aljazeera/?ref=...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajenglish
Website: http://www.aljazeera.com/
google+: https://plus.google.com/+aljazeera/posts
https://wn.com/Riz_Khan_Sharif_Ahmed_6_Oct_09_Part_1
The Somali president discusses the challenges facing his country and what he is doing to tackle them. What hope is there for Somalia when the death toll from fighting continues to rise on an almost daily basis?
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world's most respected news and current affairs channels.
Social Media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aljazeera/?ref=...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajenglish
Website: http://www.aljazeera.com/
google+: https://plus.google.com/+aljazeera/posts
- published: 07 Oct 2009
- views: 18494
1:07:44
President Sharif: Somalia at a Crossroads
At Chatham House, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, appealed for international cooperation to tackle Somalia's...
At Chatham House, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, appealed for international cooperation to tackle Somalia's humanitarian and development challenges, violence, and piracy. David Stephen, UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Somalia (1997-2001), chaired the event. President Sharif speaks in Somali.
For more information on Chatham House research on Somalia, visit https://www.chathamhouse.org/research/regions/africa/horn-of-africa.
https://wn.com/President_Sharif_Somalia_At_A_Crossroads
At Chatham House, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, appealed for international cooperation to tackle Somalia's humanitarian and development challenges, violence, and piracy. David Stephen, UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Somalia (1997-2001), chaired the event. President Sharif speaks in Somali.
For more information on Chatham House research on Somalia, visit https://www.chathamhouse.org/research/regions/africa/horn-of-africa.
- published: 15 Mar 2010
- views: 1088863
1:06
Leader of Islamic Courts Council says he will resist government's attacks
(30 Dec 2006)
1. Wide of crowd
2. Mid of executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, zoom in
3. Mid of Islamic Court's lea...
(30 Dec 2006)
1. Wide of crowd
2. Mid of executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, zoom in
3. Mid of Islamic Court's leader, Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys, pan left to Ahmed
4. Wide of crowd and Islamic Courts Union (ICU) militia
5.SOUNDBITE (Somali) Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts:
"The Somalis are ready to resist, we are ready for that, and we have decided to fight the enemy. God is great, God is great. We have decided to fight. Therefore, we have entered a new period because we have been working for the security of the people. But today there is another great event because the country is occupied and the country needs its independence."
6. Aweys walking away with ICU militia
STORYLINE
The head of the Islamic grouping that ruled Mogadishu for six months pledged on Saturday to continue to fight against Somali and Ethiopian troops.
Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts, told residents in the coastal port of Kismayo, where the group's forces are now based, that "Somalis are ready to resist" and that "we have decided to fight the enemy."
Several thousand Somali and Ethiopian troops were headed to the southern seaport, a government official said on Saturday, setting the scene for a final showdown.
Meanwhile, Somalia's president flew to the outskirts of Mogadishu aboard an Ethiopian military helicopter on Saturday,
as his government moved ahead with plans to move to the Somali capital.
President Abdullahi Yusuf met with key Somali elders in a bid to smooth the takeover of the city, 48 hours after the
Islamic movement's fighters abandoned the capital.
Although his UN-backed government was established in 2004, it has never had control over Mogadishu or many other
parts of the lawless country until Ethiopia stepped in.
His transitional government has been forced to base itself in Baidoa, a dusty agricultural town 250 kilometres (150
miles) away.
Yusuf has vowed to crush the Islamic movement with the help of Ethiopian muscle.
Many in overwhelmingly Muslim Somalia are sceptical of the government's reliance on neighbouring Ethiopia, a
traditional rival with a large Christian population and one of Africa's largest armies.
Ethiopia and Somalia fought a bloody war in 1977.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
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You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/7801fc7428e43f187954d6790527b713
https://wn.com/Leader_Of_Islamic_Courts_Council_Says_He_Will_Resist_Government's_Attacks
(30 Dec 2006)
1. Wide of crowd
2. Mid of executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, zoom in
3. Mid of Islamic Court's leader, Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys, pan left to Ahmed
4. Wide of crowd and Islamic Courts Union (ICU) militia
5.SOUNDBITE (Somali) Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts:
"The Somalis are ready to resist, we are ready for that, and we have decided to fight the enemy. God is great, God is great. We have decided to fight. Therefore, we have entered a new period because we have been working for the security of the people. But today there is another great event because the country is occupied and the country needs its independence."
6. Aweys walking away with ICU militia
STORYLINE
The head of the Islamic grouping that ruled Mogadishu for six months pledged on Saturday to continue to fight against Somali and Ethiopian troops.
Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the executive leader of the Council of Islamic Courts, told residents in the coastal port of Kismayo, where the group's forces are now based, that "Somalis are ready to resist" and that "we have decided to fight the enemy."
Several thousand Somali and Ethiopian troops were headed to the southern seaport, a government official said on Saturday, setting the scene for a final showdown.
Meanwhile, Somalia's president flew to the outskirts of Mogadishu aboard an Ethiopian military helicopter on Saturday,
as his government moved ahead with plans to move to the Somali capital.
President Abdullahi Yusuf met with key Somali elders in a bid to smooth the takeover of the city, 48 hours after the
Islamic movement's fighters abandoned the capital.
Although his UN-backed government was established in 2004, it has never had control over Mogadishu or many other
parts of the lawless country until Ethiopia stepped in.
His transitional government has been forced to base itself in Baidoa, a dusty agricultural town 250 kilometres (150
miles) away.
Yusuf has vowed to crush the Islamic movement with the help of Ethiopian muscle.
Many in overwhelmingly Muslim Somalia are sceptical of the government's reliance on neighbouring Ethiopia, a
traditional rival with a large Christian population and one of Africa's largest armies.
Ethiopia and Somalia fought a bloody war in 1977.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/7801fc7428e43f187954d6790527b713
- published: 23 Jul 2015
- views: 241115
2:17
Alshabaab ejected from Mogadishu
Somalia's president Sheikh Sharif Ahmed today declared his military has finally defeated the Al-shabaab militia battling to overthrow his government. He made th...
Somalia's president Sheikh Sharif Ahmed today declared his military has finally defeated the Al-shabaab militia battling to overthrow his government. He made the statement as government forces took control of positions abandoned by the militant group. Al-shabab withdrew its fighters from Mogadishu after a fierce gunbattle late Friday with Africa union peacekeepers and Somali government forces. The militants had managed to hold the positions for months by creating a network of tunnels from which it was hard to dislodge them. Al-shabab spokesman sheikh Ali rage said the retreat was a tactical move and insisted the insurgents will remain in other towns in southern Somalia.
https://wn.com/Alshabaab_Ejected_From_Mogadishu
Somalia's president Sheikh Sharif Ahmed today declared his military has finally defeated the Al-shabaab militia battling to overthrow his government. He made the statement as government forces took control of positions abandoned by the militant group. Al-shabab withdrew its fighters from Mogadishu after a fierce gunbattle late Friday with Africa union peacekeepers and Somali government forces. The militants had managed to hold the positions for months by creating a network of tunnels from which it was hard to dislodge them. Al-shabab spokesman sheikh Ali rage said the retreat was a tactical move and insisted the insurgents will remain in other towns in southern Somalia.
- published: 07 Aug 2011
- views: 7731
1:17
Islamic leader says Ethiopia has sent troops to back up his rival
(18 Jun 2006)
1. Armed men in street
2. Heavy machine gun on vehicle
3. Young boy at wheel of machine gun vehicle
4. Soldier with machine on shoulder with...
(18 Jun 2006)
1. Armed men in street
2. Heavy machine gun on vehicle
3. Young boy at wheel of machine gun vehicle
4. Soldier with machine on shoulder with journalists in background
5. Wide shot of press conference room
6. SOUNDBITE: (Somali with English translation) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Courts Union (translator's version):
"And, as we aware of it, just a few hours back then we have our sources that there are Ethiopian troops just past the border of Somalia and coming in."
7. Young boy with gun
8.SOUNDBITE: (Somali with English translation) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Courts Union (translator's version):
"We are so assuring to you that we are not terrorists, we have no relationship with the terrorists, we are not, we are not and that's what concerns us."
9. People mingling around closed shop
STORYLINE:
The leader of the Somali Islamist group that controls most of southern Somalia promised on Saturday not to attack the weak transitional government that represents his only challenge to power, while reporting that Ethiopian troops have moved into the country to protect his rival.
An Ethiopian official denied Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's claims, but said his government has massed troops along the border and have been monitoring the Islamic militants advance across the country.
Ahmed, the Chairman of Islamic Courts Union, said 300 Ethiopian troops had entered the country on Saturday through the southwestern border town of Dolow.
He said Ethiopian troops had crossed the border to support the transitional federal government.
Ahmed also held out an olive branch to the transitional government, which is currently based in the only town it controls, Baidoa, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu.
Ahmed's Islamic Courts Militia captured Mogadishu last week.
The Islamic Courts leader said he was willing to negotiate and work with the transitional federal government even though they did not come from the popular support of the Somalia people, noting it was formed through international mediation in neighbouring Kenya.
Ahmed said the transitional government was selected by enemies in neighbouring countries.
Ahmed was referring to Ethiopia, which has previously intervened in Somalia to prevent Islamic extremists from taking power.
Ethiopians were also key power brokers in forming President Abdullahi Yusuf's transitional Somalian government in 2004.
Yusuf was their preferred candidate for president.
Yusuf, himself a former warlord, had asked for Ethiopian troops to back up his government in 2004.
In a statement on Saturday, Yusuf said he was willing to hold talks with the Islamic Courts Union if they agree to mediation by Yemen.
He said they must stop their advance and agree not to enter any more towns than they have already and they must recognise the legitimacy of his government and the constitution.
Ahmed said he had placed no conditions on talks with Yusuf, nor would he agree to any.
The Islamic Courts Union, which the U.S. accuses of harbouring al-Qaida suspects, is behind the militiamen that have swept across southern Somalia installing clan-based, religiously oriented municipal administrations.
Ahmed denied on Saturday that any foreigners were involved in the Islamic courts or that any one in the courts had ties to al-Qaida.
Somalia has been without an effective central government since the fall of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
Yusuf's government is supported by Somalia's neighbours, the United Nations, the U.S. and the European Union.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/2b387ffcaf66a5f5c9cd539ad6b0ec09
https://wn.com/Islamic_Leader_Says_Ethiopia_Has_Sent_Troops_To_Back_Up_His_Rival
(18 Jun 2006)
1. Armed men in street
2. Heavy machine gun on vehicle
3. Young boy at wheel of machine gun vehicle
4. Soldier with machine on shoulder with journalists in background
5. Wide shot of press conference room
6. SOUNDBITE: (Somali with English translation) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Courts Union (translator's version):
"And, as we aware of it, just a few hours back then we have our sources that there are Ethiopian troops just past the border of Somalia and coming in."
7. Young boy with gun
8.SOUNDBITE: (Somali with English translation) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Chairman of Islamic Courts Union (translator's version):
"We are so assuring to you that we are not terrorists, we have no relationship with the terrorists, we are not, we are not and that's what concerns us."
9. People mingling around closed shop
STORYLINE:
The leader of the Somali Islamist group that controls most of southern Somalia promised on Saturday not to attack the weak transitional government that represents his only challenge to power, while reporting that Ethiopian troops have moved into the country to protect his rival.
An Ethiopian official denied Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's claims, but said his government has massed troops along the border and have been monitoring the Islamic militants advance across the country.
Ahmed, the Chairman of Islamic Courts Union, said 300 Ethiopian troops had entered the country on Saturday through the southwestern border town of Dolow.
He said Ethiopian troops had crossed the border to support the transitional federal government.
Ahmed also held out an olive branch to the transitional government, which is currently based in the only town it controls, Baidoa, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu.
Ahmed's Islamic Courts Militia captured Mogadishu last week.
The Islamic Courts leader said he was willing to negotiate and work with the transitional federal government even though they did not come from the popular support of the Somalia people, noting it was formed through international mediation in neighbouring Kenya.
Ahmed said the transitional government was selected by enemies in neighbouring countries.
Ahmed was referring to Ethiopia, which has previously intervened in Somalia to prevent Islamic extremists from taking power.
Ethiopians were also key power brokers in forming President Abdullahi Yusuf's transitional Somalian government in 2004.
Yusuf was their preferred candidate for president.
Yusuf, himself a former warlord, had asked for Ethiopian troops to back up his government in 2004.
In a statement on Saturday, Yusuf said he was willing to hold talks with the Islamic Courts Union if they agree to mediation by Yemen.
He said they must stop their advance and agree not to enter any more towns than they have already and they must recognise the legitimacy of his government and the constitution.
Ahmed said he had placed no conditions on talks with Yusuf, nor would he agree to any.
The Islamic Courts Union, which the U.S. accuses of harbouring al-Qaida suspects, is behind the militiamen that have swept across southern Somalia installing clan-based, religiously oriented municipal administrations.
Ahmed denied on Saturday that any foreigners were involved in the Islamic courts or that any one in the courts had ties to al-Qaida.
Somalia has been without an effective central government since the fall of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
Yusuf's government is supported by Somalia's neighbours, the United Nations, the U.S. and the European Union.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/2b387ffcaf66a5f5c9cd539ad6b0ec09
- published: 24 Jul 2015
- views: 71812