Conflict Management: Somalia
Conflict and Conflict Management: Somalia Somalia is a country of disarray which contains a seemingly never-ending struggle to find itself. As Somalis are an ancient people, their problems, although recent, stem back as far as their earliest years. Somalia is a country divided, conflicted by its diversity of its people and their affiliations. Attempts have been made to stop the violence, pain, and agony suffered by millions of Somalis but none yet have provided an answer to Somalia's demise. However, through consistent effort and determination by organizations around the world, a resolution may hopefully be achieved. Understanding Somalia and its current problems is in correlation with the history of its people and their problems in the past. Historically, the area of Somalia was home to two peoples: pastoral and agropastoral groups living in the interior, who were separated as far back as 100 A.D. and possibly further. Differences in political structures and administrative/legal systems were already clear even that far back in time. Furthermore defining their differences was the creation of clans-families. Six major clan-families were formed and are still around today. Somalis have shown a fierce independence, an
As the battles intensified by March of 1992, there were estimates of 14,000 deaths and 27,000 wounded. In seeking to distance itself from its colonial past, the new government soon became acquainted with the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. An energetic and creative spirit has prevailed in Somalia for many generations. USAID supported agricultural research networks increase regional collaboration, bring new technologies to small agricultural producers and enhance food security, resulting in new high-yield and disease-resistant food crop varieties that are being widely adopted by farmers. It is reappearing in the form of a new laissez-faire posture for private initiatives. Somalis were also not accustomed to or experienced in administration and political participation. The SNM refused to participate in unity talks proposed by the USC and proclaimed the Republic of Somaliland as an interim government in Northern Somalia (although they are not recognized by any foreign country). The USC's establishment of a provisional government angered other opposition groups who felt that they had not been consulted. Limited taxes are being collected, although tax collection continues to be an enormous problem. While the assistance from outside countries is helpful, actual solutions must come from the Somali people. Agricultural production in the region has also been disrupted, resulting in a 15% decline in per capita food production over the last decade. At present, though the economies of many areas are prospering, there is little revenue coming into the public treasury. Partly in response to nationalist pressures, both the Italians and the British took steps to improve education and health facilities, spur economic development, and give Somalis some experience in the political process. The result was disintegration of government, civil society, and essential services. Clan consciousness has been described as centering on the struggle for recognition in all forms - social, political, economic, and cultural rights and status.
Common topics in this essay:
IGAD Djibouti,
Northern Somalia,
Somalia UN,
Historically Somalia,
Cold War,
Somalia Agricultural,
Siad Barre,
Somalia Somalia,
Ogaden Ethiopia,
President Bush,
siad barre,
food security,
humanitarian assistance,
clan consciousness,
training technical assistance,
armed forces,
organizations ngos,
technical assistance,
cold war,
events iraq,
civil society,
cold war politics,
|
Acceptance Essays
