Somali Civil War
Conflict in Somalia
Somali Civil War

An ongoing civil war taking place in
Somalia. The conflict, which began in
1991, has caused destabilization and
instability throughout the country, with the
current phase of the conflict seeing the
Somali government losing substantial
control of the state to rebel forces.
Why It Began

A strict leader, President Said Barre was
overthrown and a state of struggle emerged
between rival clans / tribes / groups.
Factions / Groups








Somali National Alliance (SNA) - Habar Gidir
Somali National Front (SNF) - Mareehaan
Somali Democratic Alliance (SDA) - Gadabursi
United Somali Front (USF) - Issa
Somali African Muke Organization (SAMO) - Bantu
Somali National Democratic Union (SNDU) Lelkaseh and Aurtoble
Somali National Union (SNU) - Reer Hamar
United Somali Party (USP) - Dhulbahante,
Warsangeli
American Involvement

1991 – 1993
Due to the Civil War and a drought a huge
crisis developed threatening to starve
hundreds of thousands of Somali’s.
 International Aid and United Nations peace
keepers were sent in to help the starving
country.

American Involvement Cont.

1991-1993
One clan’s leader, Mohammed Farah Aidid,
began seizing the food and medical supplies
to starve out the other clans.
 US Forces intervened and attempted to arrest
Aidid and establish peace.
 Most Somali’s, even Aidid’s enemies did not
like the US getting involved with Somali
politics.

“Black Hawk Down”

Oct. 3rd, 1993 – The Battle of Mogadishu
US Forces attempting to arrest Mohammed
Farah Aidid clash with thousands of Somali
fighters.
 The battle leaves 18 American Soldiers dead
as well as between 1,000 and 3,000 Somali
fighters and civilians dead.

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/presents/index.blackhawk.html
US Involvement 1993-2010
President Clinton chooses to withdraw
troops for fear of more casualties and
growing American disapproval.
 The country spirals out of control and the
Somali Civil War resumes.

Instability
Ongoing instability in the country has led
to widespread evacuations of Somalis.
 Many Somalis crossed the border into
Kenya seeking safety.
 A number of Somalis look for somewhere
to call home, many come to the US.

Now
Although a young coalition government
has been formed they do not control the
entire country. Civil War still exists and
lawlessness is common in certain areas.
 This instability has also lead to Somali
Piracy issues off the coast of Somalia.
