Slow transition

Horn of Africa | Despite recent gains, Somalis have learned that change takes time—lots of time | Priya Abraham

When Ethiopian forces invaded Somalia last December and forced out Taliban-style Islamists, it looked as though for the first time in 16 years a central government could take root. Leaders of the weak but internationally recognized Transitional Federal Government (TFG) tried to take control of Mogadishu. Four months later, they are still trying.

Disputes have now settled along Somalia's familiar clan fault lines. Sporadic fighting in Mogadishu intensified in early April as the government and Ethiopian troops fought an insurgency of Hawiye sub-clans long established in the capital. Blurry lines between them and the ousted Islamic Courts Union also complicate matters: Clan leaders set up some of Mogadishu's courts and are now giving succor to members who have crept back.