But plans for Azania have been cut down. Equipped by Nairobi with arms supplied by China, as revealed by WikiLeaks cables, Azania's 3,000-strong force did not live up to expectations in the field.
Ethiopia also objected to an Ogadeni principality being established on its doorstep: Addis Ababa is already combating a rebellion led by the Ogaden National Liberation Front, which finds recruits among this clan. This coupled with China's ever increasing aid to Ethiopia and the proposed 'Berbera-Addis' pipeline would increase China's chances of profiteering from oil both in the Eastern Ethiopia and Kismayo. Rumours are swirling that China plans to build an Oil export Base in Kismayo in order to set up offshore oil rigs.
Marehan clan soon to be rich:
