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1. Somalia Conflict History
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Somalia's recent history has been marked by instability, dictatorship and disintegration. Although the country democratically elected its first President in 1960, the government was soon overthrown by the regime of Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, who imposed a dictatorship which lasted until 1991. In the absence of a functioning central government for over 17 years, Somalia has been ravaged by sweeping conflict and has experienced an endemic humanitarian crisis. Throughout this period, Somalia has struggled to remain united. In May 2001, north-western Somalia unilaterally declared itself independent as the Republic of Somaliland. Three years earlier, in August 1998, the north-eastern Puntland State of Somalia was established as a self-governing entity, seeking to become part of a federated Somalia at a later stage.
An ongoing struggle to establish a central government
In efforts to resolve the political differences and establish a credible and effective central government, at least fifteen national reconciliation conferences have been convened since 1991. The thirteenth such effort, held in Djibouti in 2000, resulted in the formation of a Transitional National Government (TNG). Nonetheless, this new national government was incapable of establishing itself beyond parts of the capital city of Mogadishu, and its three-year mandate expired in summer 2003.
Emergence of the Transitional Federal Government and the Islamic Courts Union
In 2004, another national reconciliation conference held in Kenya led to the creation of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), whose official aim is to bring peace and security in the country. The Transitional Federal Charter provides a transitory legal basis for the interim five-year government – comprising a President, the Prime Minister, and cabinet – and calls for a new constitution and a nation-wide poll.
High expectations of stability and progress in Somalia following the TFG’s creation failed to materialise: in June 2006 the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) defeated the US-backed coalition of warlords which had been established as an instrument of counter-terrorism policy. The ICU then extended its authority to the central and south regions of the country, rendering the TFG ineffective.
Ethiopian intervention in support of the Transitional Federal Government
In December 2006, in what was widely perceived to be an opportunity to force durable stability in Somalia, Ethiopian troops intervened in the country and together with TFG forces, ousted the ICU from areas in the south and central regions, allowing the TFG to gain control of Mogadishu. On 20 January 2008, the TFG relocated from the south-eastern town of Baidoa to the capital city of Mogadishu, with a pledge of national reconciliation and desperately-needed stability.
“Before the Ethiopian invasion, Somalia was in hell. Somalia needs help preparing its security forces, and then Ethiopia can leave. The United Nations cannot do anything here, but the Ethiopians know Somalia. Others do not.”
Government supporter
Mogadishu, March 2008
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Insurgency activities increasing: the return of the ICU and rise of Al-Shabab
However, once again expectations and promises have fallen short. The intervention of a foreign military and the reinstatement of the TFG have led to frequent and large-scale conflict between anti-government forces and government troops. ICU remnants and clan militias have repeatedly challenged the authority and legitimacy of the TFG, and resisted the foreign occupation of the country. Deadly clashes have recently escalated, leading to widespread chaos and lawlessness.
Mogadishu, March 2008
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“Force is being used as first resort rather than last resort.”
“In Somalia, and in Mogadishu, the one who has the gun, he’s the boss.”
Identities withheld
Mogadishu, March 2008
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