February 06, 2007

FT interview: Meles Zanawi, Ethiopian prime minister

FT interview: Meles Zanawi, Ethiopian prime minister

Published: February 6 2007

Six weeks ago Ethiopia invaded Somalia. In a matter of days, Ethiopian and allied Somali forces routed the Islamic Courts Union, a coalition of Islamists whose Jihadist rhetoric and expanding rule Ethiopia deemed a regional security threat. In their place in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, Ethiopia helped install an allied UN-backed transitional government.

The invasion has put the spotlight on the Horn of Africa’s most populous and powerful country. Meles Zenawi has led Ethiopia since the rebel movement he belonged to overthrew dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991 following years of guerrilla warfare. William Wallis, the FT’s Africa editor interviewed him in Addis Ababa.

Q: The Americans appear to be concerned that some of the leadership of Somalia’s Islamic Courts may be regrouping in Saudi Arabia, Eritrea and possibly Yemen? Is this something you are aware of?

....more is available on www.ft.com

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