SOMALIA | How Did It Become a Failed State?

Summary

This video explores Somalia's political instability, tracing its collapse into a failed state. After gaining independence in 1960, Somalia faced clan divisions, the rise of warlords, and a brutal civil war, leading to a failed government. International intervention, including US-led military operations and UN missions, failed to stabilize the country. Islamist extremism and piracy further complicated the situation. Though recent years have seen some improvement with a new government and foreign investments, Somalia remains fragile, teetering between fragile statehood and conflict, similar to Yemen.

Takeaways

• 📉 Somalia is often cited as a prime example of a failed state due to decades of instability, civil war, and lack of central governance.
• 👥 The country's population is predominantly ethnically Somali, but clan divisions have fueled much of the internal conflict, with major clans such as the Hawiye, Isaaq, and Darod at odds.
• 💥 Somalia has experienced instability since the 1991 overthrow of Mohamed Siad Barre, leading to warlordism, clan factionalism, and humanitarian crises.
• 🛡️ The civil war has led to significant international intervention, with UN and US-led missions aimed at stabilizing the situation, though not always successfully, as seen with the infamous 1993 'Black Hawk Down' incident.
• 📉 Somalia’s collapse has made it a hub for extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and piracy, further exacerbating the region's instability.
• 🇪🇹 Ethiopia’s military intervention in 2006 ousted the Islamic Courts Union, but Al-Shabaab, a more extreme Islamist group, soon rose to prominence.
• 📈 Efforts to stabilize Somalia have seen some success in recent years, with the African Union's AMISOM mission playing a key role in pushing Al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu by 2011.
• 📜 Despite a new federal constitution in 2012 and foreign investment, Somalia remains a fragile state, with continuing threats from Al-Shabaab and deep-rooted political divisions.
• ⚔️ In 2021, the failure to hold elections led President Farmajo to extend his term, causing further political instability and fighting in Mogadishu.
• 🌍 International concern over Somalia persists due to its strategic importance in the Horn of Africa and its ongoing challenges with governance, security, and extremism.

Q & A

What led to the collapse of Somalia's central government?

The collapse of Somalia's central government began after the overthrow of President Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. The country descended into chaos due to clan factionalism, the rise of warlords, and the lack of a functioning central authority.

What are the four criteria generally accepted for a territory to become a state?

The four criteria are: defined geographical boundaries, a settled population, governance, and the ability to enter into relations with other states.

What is a 'failed state'?

A failed state is a country that has lost the ability to govern itself and provide basic services to its citizens, often becoming a haven for criminals and terrorists, while also causing instability in the international system.

Why is Somalia considered a failed state?

Somalia is considered a failed state due to its prolonged civil war, mass starvation, and inability to maintain a functioning central government. It became a haven for Islamist militias, pirates, and warlords, leading to instability and humanitarian crises.

What role did the clans play in Somalia's political troubles?

Clan divisions, particularly between the Hawiye, Isaaq, and Darod, have been a significant source of conflict and discrimination in Somalia, leading to political instability and civil war.

How did the Ogaden War affect Somalia?

The Ogaden War, an attempt by Somalia to capture the Somali-inhabited Ogaden region of Ethiopia, ended in a disastrous military defeat. It led to a break with the Soviet Union and sowed the seeds for resistance against President Siad Barre, ultimately contributing to the collapse of his regime.

What were the key challenges Somalia faced after Barre's overthrow?

After Barre's overthrow in 1991, Somalia faced challenges including civil war, clan factionalism, the rise of warlords, humanitarian crises, the emergence of Islamist extremist groups, and piracy.

What was the significance of the US intervention in Somalia in 1993?

The US-led intervention in 1993 aimed to stabilize the humanitarian situation in Somalia but resulted in the infamous 'Black Hawk Down' incident, leading to US and UN forces withdrawing from the country in 1994, leaving Somalia to its anarchy.

How did Islamic extremist groups affect Somalia's situation?

Islamic extremist groups like the Islamic Courts Union and later Al-Shabaab gained control over large parts of Somalia, further destabilizing the country. Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, continues to operate in large parts of Somalia.

Has Somalia shown signs of improvement in recent years?

Yes, Somalia has shown signs of improvement with the establishment of a new federal government in 2012 and increased international support. However, the country remains fragile, with ongoing security concerns and the recent political crisis following the extension of President Farmajo's term.