diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 70ddeff..31a18e1 100755
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 import sys
 
 from trace import SetTrace
-from git_config import close_ssh
+from git_config import init_ssh, close_ssh
 from command import InteractiveCommand
 from command import MirrorSafeCommand
 from command import PagedCommand
@@ -214,6 +214,7 @@
   repo = _Repo(opt.repodir)
   try:
     try:
+      init_ssh()
       repo._Run(argv)
     finally:
       close_ssh()