Somali Government Minister Gunned Down in Baidoa
28 July 2006
A minister in Somalia's interim government was shot and killed Friday, as concerns rise that the violence plagued Horn of Africa nation is inching closer to war.
Witnesses say Abdallah Isaaq Deerow was killed by unidentified gunmen outside a mosque in Baidoa shortly after prayers. Deerow was the minister for constitutional and federal affairs.
The shooting is another blow to the interim government, which is backed by the United Nations but is unable to function outside its base in Baidoa. Islamic militias have seized control of the capital, Mogadishu, and much of southern Somalia.
Eighteen cabinet ministers abruptly resigned Thursday, saying the government is powerless to bring peace to Somalia.
Lawmakers in the interim parliament have also introduced a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi.
Meanwhile, a cargo plane landed in Mogadishu Friday delivering an unknown shipment - the second such delivery this week. Islamic militias blocked roads around the airport and chased away onlookers while the plane was being downloaded.
Officials with the interim government say the Islamic militias have been receiving arms shipments from Eritrea. Eritrea is a longtime enemy of Ethiopia, which has sent troops into Baidoa to protect the Somali government.
Somalia has been without an effective central government since 1991, when former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted.
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