A Homecoming for Some Mogadishu Residents

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31 March 2009





The departure of Ethiopian forces from
Somalia ended a two-year occupation meant to support the Transitional Federal
Government. Earlier, with Ethiopia's help, the TMG had overthrown a government
run by the Islamic Courts Union. Over one million people are estimated to have
left Mogadishu
because of fighting between Ethiopian troops and Islamic militias. But with the
departure of the Ethiopians, some families are beginning to move back to the
capital. From Mogadishu, Jamaal Osman reports.

Islamic insurgents have taken the place of the departed Ethiopians. Many
displaced Somali families were hopeful this would ease the way for their return
home. But some are disappointed. 


Somalia Somalia

The
return of Islamic fighters has not brought stability to Mogadishu. The radical
Islamic group Al Shabab has said it would not stop fighting government and
international forces in the city.

They
say they will continue targeting African Union troops ?who are there to
protect government installations like the presidential palace, the airport and
sea port. slamic scholars and traditional elders have denounced the radicals.



 




Asho Noor Mohammed returns to her home in Mogadishu Asho Noor Mohammed returns to her home in Mogadishu

Asho, who is wearing a dress with a worn veil, carries a sack of belongings on her back.









 

 


<br />Internally displaced in Mogadishu
Internally displaced in Mogadishu

In the early morning he used to go to Bakara Market ?the main market in the city. He worked as a porter, making little money, not even enough to feed his family. He had no money for the bus ride home.

"I could earn a day [about $1.40] or less, which could not be









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