Chronology of Somalia's collapse, conflict
Source: Reuters
Jan 8 (Reuters) - Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf entered Mogadishu on Monday for the first time since becoming president in 2004. His entry capped a remarkable turn-around in the capital Islamists ruled for six months until they were ousted before the New Year. Here is a chronology of recent events in Somalia: Oct. 2004 - In 14th attempt since 1991 to restore central government, lawmakers elect Ethiopian-backed warlord Abdullahi Yusuf as president. In December, new Prime Minister Mohamed Ali Gedi swears in 27 ministers in Kenya. Feb. 2005 - Somali president and prime minister arrive in Somalia in the central town of Jowhar for the first time. June 2006 - The Somalia Islamic Courts Council (SICC) seizes the capital Mogadishu from U.S.-backed warlords and take control of parts of southern Somalia. The interim government and the SICC recognise each other in their first direct talks in Sudan. Sept. 25, 2006 - President Yusuf escapes a bomb attack that kills five outside parliament in Baidoa. -- Islamist fighters take over the southern port of Kismayo, Somalia's third largest city, effectively flanking the Baidoa-based government on three sides. Oct. 9 - Islamists declare holy war against Ethiopia, which they accuse of invading Somalia to help the government. Nov. 30 - Ethiopia's parliament votes to let its government take necessary steps to rebuff any invasion by the Islamists. Dec. 7 - The U.N. Security Council passes a resolution endorsing African peacekeepers for Somalia. Dec. 12 - Islamists tell Ethiopia to leave Somalia within seven days or face war. Fighting starts on Dec. 19 following the end of the deadline. Dec. 24 - Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says he is waging war against the Islamists to protect his country's sovereignty, in Ethiopia's first public admission of military involvement in Somalia. Dec. 25 - Ethiopian jets strike the Islamist-controlled Somali airports of Baledogle, Somalia's biggest military airfield, and Mogadishu. Dec. 28 - Islamists flee Mogadishu ahead of a joint Ethiopian and Somali government force which captures the capital. Dec. 31 - Somali Prime Minister Gedi enters Mogadishu. Jan. 1, 2007 - Islamists abandon defences at Kismayu in the face of heavy artillery fire and pro-government forces. Jan 5 - Ethiopia's Meles says his country will pull its troops out of Somalia within two weeks. -- Western and African diplomats meet in Nairobi to discuss sending regional peacekeepers and more aid to Somalia. Jan 8 - President Abdullahi Yusuf arrives in Mogadishu for the first time since he became president in 2004.
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