The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has urged the South African government to intervene in what it called ”Ethiopia’s American-backed invasion of Somalia”, saying the attack was criminal and a violation of law.
”The lawless and shameful killing and bombing of a large number of ”Islamic extremists” suspected of being involved in the bombings of the two US embassies in Africa is criminal, and a violation of any legal process,” the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.
It urged the South African government to intervene and ensure the Somali government and people are protected.
”We wish to make the following demand to the South African government: that it intervenes immediately on behalf of the Somali people by ensuring that the respected and credible leadership of the Islamic Courts’ Union be protected,” the council said.
United States helicopter gunships are said to have attacked suspected al-Qaeda fighters in the south of Somalia on Tuesday, killing at least five people.
”This heinous deed displays the actions of a country that disregards life and shows complete disrespect for the human rights and dignity of those dead bodies ripped apart by the sophisticated killing machines employed by US military,” the MJC said.
The US has cast this as a war to curtail terrorism, but its real goal is to obtain a direct foothold in a highly strategic region by establishing a client regime there, said the council.
”The Horn of Africa is newly oil-rich, and lies just miles from Saudi Arabia, overlooking the daily passage of large numbers of oil tankers and warships through the Red Sea,” it said. — Sapa