The UPDF presence in Somalia is quite commendable. However, as in Iraq, the Somalia scenario is a web of deep-seated animosities with historical, ethnic, religious and other hatreds of primary political concerns that have erupted into war.

Having military forces in such an environment for the purpose of maintaining peace can be a complex endeavour. All alternative solutions must be explored alongside the military one.

The West, besides funding the African Union (AU) military presence, should support AU to initiate a peace conference, bring all the antagonists on table so that they work towards a Somali tailored peace and solution.

There is also need to cajole more nations into getting concerned. Our army needs to play only a part of a big whole and withdraw gracefully.
Peter Waiswa is an accountant and economist