Somalia

U.S. Army | Public Domain

CONFLICT IN SOMALIA - Instability For Almost All Of Its 45-Year History

Somalia's modern history is marked by profound instability that began with the outbreak of Civil War (1991–1995) after the overthrow of Siad Barre’s regime. This descent into chaos fractured the country under regional warlords and triggered severe man-made famines, resulting in the devastating loss of 300,000 lives.

The geopolitical landscape grew even more complex with the rise of radical Islamists, a U.S.-backed Ethiopian invasion, and the protracted insurgency launched by the jihadist militant group Al-Shabaab.

Although the creation of a permanent, internationally recognised central government in 2012 represented a step toward stability, the nation remained deeply tense, highlighted by the controversial presidency of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

The Federal Government of Somalia continues its protracted war against Al-Shabaab, locked in a grinding stalemate on the ground as both sides refuse to concede territory.

Somalians endure ongoing political crises, including controversial amendments extending presidential terms from four years to five, and ongoing regional frictions.

Decades of prolonged drought, severe food insecurity, armed conflict, corruption, and massive funding shortfalls have caused widespread devastation, leaving 4.8 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forcibly displaced by armed conflict and lack adequate shelter, protection, or basic resources to survive.

Explore specialised topics such as the origins and threat of Al-Shabaab, human rights in Somalia, the plight of displaced refugees, the drivers of Somalian piracy, comprehensive annual reports, and the overarching political situation.