Clear and present opportunity

Africa has finally started to be accountable in solving its own problems. This new and exciting shift in the continental mind set is also reflected by the reformation of the OAU into the AU - which is much more robust than its progenitor. This is not to say that the AU has completely escaped being labelled as ineffective especially in light of the enigma of Darfur. The AU's half-hearted solution for Darfur has resulted in sending a token force which had a mandate only to observe. Meanwhile the killing continues. Among the founding pillars of the African Union are the OAU legacies of non intervention in the internal affairs of other states and the collective agreement to abide by boundaries extant at independence.
It was thought that the obvious logic of these credos would avert rampant conflict. The founding leaders of the OAU, in all good faith, had hoped that such arrangements would eventually lead to a true union of African states. In this fast changing world, the principle of non intervention in the internal affairs of other states is unfortunately an idealistic and euphoric vision that asks too much of states who simply can't be indifferent to what happens next door. It seems non intervention has become anachronistic in this globalizing world with its domino effect of contagious instability. The Ethiopian led lightening offensive on the UIC demonstrated the efficacy of necessary but reluctant intervention by a country faced with a clear and present danger. This threat was that posed by 16 years of Somali anarchy which bred terrorist spawn who used religion as a convenient cover.
Ethiopia clearly displayed its profound will and has earned much needed political and security capital, not to mention new-found international respect. The entire military campaign has been an unqualified success and today Somalia has finally become, albeit fragile a state with an internationally recognized and installed government. More importantly Somalia with the help of Ethiopian and moderate Somali forces is presented with the best chance of achieving stability since the Siad Barre debacle.
Having achieved military victory, Ethiopia should not let itself lose the moral high ground by overstaying its welcome. As a people we are proud of our armed forces and do feel safer today knowing that we have a competent defense. However, this mighty war machine must show that it is first and foremost a tool for achieving lasting peace in the region.
The international community, seizing this golden chance, must rush to redeem Somalia and not abandon it yet again. The opportunities created by Ethiopia's decisive action are first and foremost a challenge for not just the stakeholders - the Somalis - but to the AU and the UN also. The hard work has been done, let the peace making begin and food and development aid start flowing to a long suffering population.
The immediate future is fragile and fraught with pitfalls. Ethiopia is virtually pleading for the entry of AU forces acceptable to Somalis so that it can pull its troops out. The good offices of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda are quite welcome and the joint resolutions reached with Meles after Museveni's state visit this past week deserve the undivided support of the international community.
Even the most pessimistic commentator would admit that this moment in Somali history is an opportunity not to be missed. The EU is taking steps to cooperate with Africa in the search for ways of bringing about intra-Somali and regional reconciliation. The USA has just donated 16 million dollars for immediate release of food aid. This is all very well and good. It does not mean however, that Africa is exclusively looking to the West for solutions.
As Museveni pointed out so lucidly, what is needed is logistical support for the proposed AU force of some 8000 troops. The immediate deployment of this force is indispensable if Ethiopia's sacrifices in the successful elimination of the UIC are not to be in vain. Somalia is knocking at the door. The world cannot let Somalia down.