pirates and hizbul islam
The rival militants al-Shabab, Somalia’s most dangerous rebel group, sent scouts into Harardhere last month. Abdiwali Gadid, a self-proclaimed pirate, said: “Two days ago Hizbul Islam sent agents to the coastal towns saying they wished to move into the area before al-Shabab and demanded a slice of the business, but the pirate leaders ignored the request. That is why they moved in today.”
The Islamic Courts Union was the only group to ever shut down the pirates in Somalia, but this faction isn’t them. Hizbul Islam needs cash and a stronger base of power. They don’t have much use for the western hostages they could probably lay hands on, but a piracy tax might be just the thing to prop them up.
I count 18 ships.
Speaking of Somalia:
“The US promised to pay the salaries of 1,800 soldiers, while other donor countries pledged to pay for some 3,300 soldiers. This is part of plans to fund the upkeep of 10,000 soldiers that would help the government retain the security,” he said.
He added that the soldiers did not receive their wages for nearly one year.
According to Somali officials, the troops were supposed to earn $100 a month, but about half of those trained in neighbouring Djibouti deserted after realizing that they are not going to get their payments.
“Some gave up the army and returned to their ordinary life and others joined the rebels,” Somali army Col. Ahmed Aden Dhayow told AP.
