With mortar attacks, grenade explosions, roadside bombings, kidnappings and political assassinations occurring almost daily, Mogadishu has descended into what civilians describe as the worst period since the last central government fell in 1991.

In that context, Yusuf's Ethiopian and American backers considered Gedi a problematic figure in an increasingly problematic and unpopular government. 

Premier Quits Amid Turmoil In Somalia
Pressure by U.S., Ethiopia Is Seen Behind Resignation
By Stephanie McCrummen
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, October 30, 2007; A10

NAIROBI, Oct. 29 -- Somalia's prime minister resigned Monday amid pressure from neighboring powerhouse Ethiopia, faltering support from the United States and a power struggle with the Somali president who had appointed him.

Ali Mohamed Gedi, widely viewed as a divisive figure in a government that tolerates little opposition, told the Somali parliament: "I wasn't forced to resign. It comes from me." Then he jetted to Kenya, land of exiled African politicians.