Somali Civil WarSomali Civil War

Conflict in SomaliaConflict in Somalia

Somali Civil WarSomali Civil War

An ongoing civil war taking place in An ongoing civil war taking place in Somalia. The conflict, which began in Somalia. The conflict, which began in 1991, has caused destabilization and 1991, has caused destabilization and instability throughout the country, with the instability throughout the country, with the current phase of the conflict seeing the current phase of the conflict seeing the Somali government losing substantial Somali government losing substantial control of the state to rebel forces. control of the state to rebel forces.

Why It BeganWhy It Began

A strict leader, President Said Barre was A strict leader, President Said Barre was overthrown and a state of struggle emerged overthrown and a state of struggle emerged between rival clans / tribes / groups.between rival clans / tribes / groups.

Factions / GroupsFactions / Groups Somali National Alliance (SNA) - Habar GidirSomali National Alliance (SNA) - Habar Gidir Somali National Front (SNF) - MareehaanSomali National Front (SNF) - Mareehaan Somali Democratic Alliance (SDA) - GadabursiSomali Democratic Alliance (SDA) - Gadabursi United Somali Front (USF) - IssaUnited Somali Front (USF) - Issa Somali African Muke Organization (SAMO) - BantuSomali African Muke Organization (SAMO) - Bantu Somali National Democratic Union (SNDU) - Somali National Democratic Union (SNDU) -

Lelkaseh and AurtobleLelkaseh and Aurtoble Somali National Union (SNU) - Reer HamarSomali National Union (SNU) - Reer Hamar United Somali Party (USP) - Dhulbahante, United Somali Party (USP) - Dhulbahante,

WarsangeliWarsangeli

American InvolvementAmerican Involvement

1991 – 19931991 – 1993Due to the Civil War and a drought a huge Due to the Civil War and a drought a huge

crisis developed threatening to starve crisis developed threatening to starve hundreds of thousands of Somali’s. hundreds of thousands of Somali’s.

International Aid and United Nations peace International Aid and United Nations peace keepers were sent in to help the starving keepers were sent in to help the starving country.country.

American Involvement Cont.American Involvement Cont.

1991-19931991-1993One clan’s leader, Mohammed Farah Aidid, One clan’s leader, Mohammed Farah Aidid,

began seizing the food and medical supplies began seizing the food and medical supplies to starve out the other clans.to starve out the other clans.

US Forces intervened and attempted to arrest US Forces intervened and attempted to arrest Aidid and establish peace.Aidid and establish peace.

Most Somali’s, even Aidid’s enemies did not Most Somali’s, even Aidid’s enemies did not like the US getting involved with Somali like the US getting involved with Somali politics.politics.

““Black Hawk Down”Black Hawk Down”

Oct. 3Oct. 3rdrd, 1993 – The Battle of Mogadishu, 1993 – The Battle of MogadishuUS Forces attempting to arrest Mohammed US Forces attempting to arrest Mohammed

Farah Aidid clash with thousands of Somali Farah Aidid clash with thousands of Somali fighters.fighters.

The battle leaves 18 American Soldiers dead The battle leaves 18 American Soldiers dead as well as between 1,000 and 3,000 Somali as well as between 1,000 and 3,000 Somali fighters and civilians dead.fighters and civilians dead.

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/presents/index.blackhawk.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/presents/index.blackhawk.html

US Involvement 1993-2010US Involvement 1993-2010

President Clinton chooses to withdraw President Clinton chooses to withdraw troops for fear of more casualties and troops for fear of more casualties and growing American disapproval.growing American disapproval.

The country spirals out of control and the The country spirals out of control and the Somali Civil War resumes.Somali Civil War resumes.

InstabilityInstability

Ongoing instability in the country has led Ongoing instability in the country has led to widespread evacuations of Somalis. to widespread evacuations of Somalis.

Many Somalis crossed the border into Many Somalis crossed the border into Kenya seeking safety.Kenya seeking safety.

A number of Somalis look for somewhere A number of Somalis look for somewhere to call home, many come to the US.to call home, many come to the US.

NowNow

Although a young coalition government Although a young coalition government has been formed they do not control the has been formed they do not control the entire country. Civil War still exists and entire country. Civil War still exists and lawlessness is common in certain areas. lawlessness is common in certain areas.

This instability has also lead to Somali This instability has also lead to Somali Piracy issues off the coast of Somalia.Piracy issues off the coast of Somalia.