Radio of the Somali National Movement (clandestine, in Somali) — 1600 GMT, 7 Jan. 1991

Mohamed Siad Barre’s whereabouts are unknown. Most of the important areas in Mogadishu are in the hands of the United Somali Congress and the Somali people. The airport, however, is known to be firmly in the control of Siad’s loyalists.

This is a decisive moment. Siad lost authority over Mogadishu some time ago, and for the last two nights Radio Mogadishu has been off the air (words indistinct). He had been using the Somali Security Service Network. All communications have come to a standstill.

This indicates the destruction the Mogadishu regime has suffered. The Somali National Movement now calls on the Somali people who have been fighting for justice.

The moment they have been waiting for has come. Extend all possible help and cooperation to the USC combatants.

You are seeing before your very eyes the collapse of the fascist regime. Somali Patriotic Movement and USC: Be aware that you bear a heavy responsibility.

We call on the remnants of the Siad Barre soldiers to surrender to the righteous forces.

They are assured of their dignity. Your safety is guaranteed if you surrender willingly.

They will not be held accountable for the atrocities committed under the orders of the collapsed regime.

This is the stand of the righteous forces regarding POWs.

The SNM, whose (words indistinct). We wish to call on the Somali people to stand united and guard against divisive elements.

We wish to conclude by saying that the days when Somalis were set against Somalis are gone.

The era when Somalis were used to destroy and kill fellow Somalis is also gone.

Gone are the days when artillery was used in central regions to destroy and flatten our houses.

Brothers, oppression is over.