In Somalia, forces backing the Somali government are in control of the capital Mogadishu today after the retreat of fighters with the Council of Islamic Courts. The Islamic Courts fled without the firing of a single shot. Pro-government forces include militias linked to local warlords and troops sent by the Ethiopian government. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan repeated calls for the withdrawal of Ethiopian soldiers.

Outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “I would also appeal to neighboring countries to stay out of the crisis in Somalia and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.”

Reporter: “Are you calling for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops like the African Union?”

Kofi Annan: “I’ve already spoken to the president of Ethiopia about that, and it is essential that neighboring governments stay out of this.”