Somalia: Promise or Quagmire

Ever since Somalia became independent in 1960, the country has seen constant clan conflict and political violence. It has been caught up in the overall political turmoil in the Horn of Africa involving the countries, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea. For example, in the 1970s, Somalia fought with Ethiopia in the Ogaden desert region sending thousands of refugees from Ethiopia into Somalia. The Horn of Africa also saw fighting when Ethiopia fought Eritreans who wanted autonomy from Ethiopia.

When Mohammed Siad Barre, dictator for life, was overthrown Somalia was once again thrown into turmoil. Clan warfare reignited again and warlord Farah Aidid became first among equals among the warlords in the capital Mogadishu. The U.S. was involved in fighting to overthrow Aidid, an event which was made famous by the movie Blackhawk Down.

In the past month, Somalia has once again seen violence. This time internecine warfare in Somalia is linked to the wider turmoil involving a surge in political violence by radical Islamic movements. Ethiopia, which is mostly Christian, invaded Somalia to counter the influence of radical Islam which also is powerful in the Sudan upon which it borders.

Now, the Islamists have been pushed from the capital, Mogadishu, and forced into smaller enclaves. However, the "legitimate" government comprised of the former warlords now is in power once again. Whether they can unite and each clan accept equal status remains to be seen. If the clans which control the capital cannot unite, than the Islamist movement may seize power once again.