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The raging war has forced many residents to flee their homes to neighboring countries. |
MOGADISHU — The `Eid joy in Somalia has been hijacked by the ongoing war between Ethiopian-backed government troops and the fighters of the Islamic Courts with many residents recalling the good old days.
"Markets were closed before `Eid as the war chaos kept spreading over," Fatima Mohammed, a housewife, told IslamOnline.net Sunday, December 31, the second day of `Eid Al-Adah.
She added there was almost no preparations in the shops that are usually laden with gift items and new clothes on `Eid.
"Every one is closely following up the ongoing war and `Eid shopping is not a priority right now," shop owner Halima says, her hair tucked into a black headscarf and her body enveloped in billowing black.
She said that some of the shop owners were among volunteers who joined the Islamic Courts to fight the invading Ethiopian troops and many of them were killed in the bloody battles.
"We miss our dear friends and feel sorry for their wives and children."
With militias formed, looting reported and people killed in skirmishes, Somalia is descending into instability once again as the Ethiopian-backed Somali troops are moving towards Kismayu, the last stronghold of the Supreme Islamic Courts of Somalia (SICS).
Hundreds, and possibly thousands, have died on scrubby battlefields in what aid agencies are calling the worst fighting for a decade in the war-raven nation.
The beginning of battles o December 20 marked the end of months of relative stability in the country.
After years of lawlessness and security chaos, Somalis were finally rejoicing a peaceful life when the SICS kicked out US-backed warlords from the capital in June.
Good Old Days
Besides the two holydays of `Eid Al-Adha and `Eid Al–Fitr, Somalis used to enjoy multiple celebrations like the Day of Revolution on October 21 and the Independence Day celebrations from June 27 to July 1.
But now, people could only look back fondly to `Eids gone past.
"`Eid used to be an occasion for family visits," Abdullah Balak, editor-in-chief of Al-Ayam newspaper told IOL.
"These joyful post-dawn visits," recalls Balak, "are impossible this year amid the spike of violence."
Residents envy children who are still green to understand what is going on.
"This year's `Eid is not for adults," Halima Ahmed, bitterly told IOL.
"We try our best to keep our children aloof from the news of the raging war," she added in grief.
But kids in the Horn of Africa nation are trying to enjoy themselves amid the beating drums of war, though colorful masks, fireworks and new clothes are something of a luxury in a country that has not known stability since 1991.
The lack of security marred the kids' joy, hindering them from the usual `Eid rides to cinemas and parks.
"Lucky them! Children don't realize the terrible situation in the country," said. Abdullah Ibrahim.
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