Somalia
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Post 1
Insightful article about Somalia’s increasing fragility.
I’ll spend time this week sharing some thoughts about the implications of potential collapse, the impact of possible criminal governance, and background about al-Shabaab.
Somalia has a long history of complex, concurrent crises and conflicts. The last few years the government in Mogadishu appeared to be making progress.
However, al-Shabaab is a well financed and powerful terrorist organization. Defeating this group is no small task.
Post 2
Before I go into a discussion about al-Shabaab and other threats in Somalia, it’s important to understand the state’s history and its culture. Understanding the human domain is a critical aspect when considering how to respond to and resolve any significant crises or conflict. Whether you're trying to provide aid, leverage knowledge, or trying to influence a population, you must first understand its dynamics, history, culture, and demographics.
Background
Somalia, formally the Federal Republic of Somalia, is often cited as a dangerous territory, and there are legitimate reasons for this description.
Over the last three decades, Somalia has experienced endless challenges including state collapse and endless conflict. More specifically, Somalia has experienced civil war, transnational terrorism, high rates of violent crimes, and genocide. In addition, it has also been challenged by famine, the negative effects of climate change, piracy, and other issues that are arguably affecting its stability.
Somalia became an independent nation in 1960, and in the same year the United States established diplomatic relations. Since its independence from British and Italian administrations, the state has experienced significant hardships, including a collapse of its government.
Somalia is not as large as other countries in Africa. Its 2022 population is estimated around 19 million (an increase since 2022). Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia borders Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Its capital is Mogadishu, which borders the Indian Ocean.
State dynamics
It is important to understand two other regions often referenced when discussing Somalia: Puntland and Somaliland. While Somalia is recognized as an official state, Puntland and Somaliland are not. Somaliland seceded from Somalia in 1991, shortly after the Isaaq genocide, and has been successful in establishing a functional government and society. Despite this success, Somaliland is not recognized internationally an official state. Puntland is also another region that separated itself from Somalia and declared autonomy in 1998, but also not internationally recognized as a state and it is not seeking that status.
Culture, Society, and Government
Somalis have an inherent strong sense of identity. Somalia is often recognized as ethnically, linguistically, and religiously homogenous. The primary ethnic groups include Somali, Bantu and other non-Somali. While multiple languages are spoken in Somalia, the most common languages are Somali, Arabic, Italian, and English. Their most common religion is Sunni Muslim.
Clans
While Somalis collectively have a strong sense of identity, its clan system is complex, and its structure evolves over time. It is not uncommon for clans to break up into sub-clans, sub-sub clans, and even further. I can’t emphasize enough - a foot stomp here - how critical it is to acknowledge and conceptually accept that the clan system is complex and ever-changing. This helps when it comes to addressing issues within Somalia whether it’s strategies to combat terrorism or why clans or sub-clans may be in a current conflict with one another.
Diaspora
In addition, Somalia also has a large and loyal diaspora. Due to the conflict, many Somalis have sought refuge in neighboring countries and other parts of the world like Europe, Canada, and the United States. Other unique facts about Somali culture are that they value camels, enjoy eating bananas with their meals, have a general distaste for fish, and some are known to chew khat.
Currency
While the official currency in Somalia is the Schilling, a lot of its population uses the USD and operates on a cashless system.. Despite its ongoing conflicts and disasters, Somalia has been able to be at the forefront of economic and technological innovation by becoming an almost cashless society.
President
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected to serve as President of Somalia in May 2022, defeating the incumbent Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. This leadership role is not new for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as he previously served as Somalia’s President from 2012 until 2017. Whether the President will be able to help shape Somalia into stability and peace remains to be seen. He has many challenges to address, any of which can single-handedly destroy a nation.