Who Was Involved in the Somali Civil War

Who Was Involved in the Somali Civil War. Learn about the main players and groups involved in the Somali Civil War, including rebel factions, international actors, warlords, and militias.

Who Was Involved in the Somali Civil War.

The Somali Civil War, which began in the late 1980s, involved a complex array of factions, clans, and foreign participants. The primary groups and individuals involved include:

1. Siad Barre Government: The conflict began as a rebellion against the dictatorial regime of President Mohamed Siad Barre, who led Somalia from 1969 until his ousting in 1991.
2. United Somali Congress (USC): A major rebel group formed in the late 1980s, primarily consisting of members from the Hawiye clan. The USC played a key role in the overthrow of Siad Barre.
3. Somali National Movement (SNM): Predominantly composed of the Isaaq clan, the SNM was active in the northern part of Somalia and later played a significant role in the establishment of the self-declared independent Republic of Somaliland.
4. Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM): Another key faction, mainly consisting of members from the Ogadeni clan, which was also involved in the fight against Siad Barre’s regime.
5. Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF): One of the earliest opposition groups, comprising mainly members of the Majeerteen clan of the Darod, which operated in the northeast of Somalia.
6. Islamic Courts Union (ICU): Emerging in the 2000s, the ICU was a coalition of Sharia courts that briefly controlled Mogadishu and much of southern Somalia before being ousted by Ethiopian forces.
7. Al-Shabaab: An Islamist militant group that emerged from the ICU’s youth wing, Al-Shabaab has been involved in ongoing insurgency efforts against the Somali government and foreign forces.
8. Transitional Federal Government (TFG): Established in 2004, the TFG was supported by the United Nations and the African Union but struggled to establish control over Somalia against opposition from various militias and Islamist groups.
9. Ethiopia and Eritrea: Both countries have been involved in the Somali conflict, with Ethiopia sending troops to support the TFG against Islamist groups and Eritrea being accused of supporting insurgents against the TFG.
10. Various Clan Militias: Somali society is clan-based, and many clans or sub-clans had their own militias fighting for control or autonomy within Somalia, often changing alliances based on shifting power dynamics.

The conflict has been characterized by its fragmentation and the fluidity of alliances, with many groups splintering, merging, or rebranding over time. The involvement of external actors, including neighboring countries and international organizations, has also played a significant role in the conflict’s progression and ongoing nature.

Conclusion

The Somali Civil War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that involved a diverse range of actors, both domestic and international. Understanding the various groups involved in the conflict is essential for grasping the complexity of the conflict and its lasting impact on the country. By examining the roles of the Somali National Army, rebel groups, international actors, warlords, and militias, we can gain a better understanding of the Somali Civil War and the challenges faced by the Somali people in its aftermath.