The Somali conflict and its security implications to the horn of Africa Between 1990 and 2004.

Abstract

This paper is set to analyze Somalia as a collapsed state between 1990 and 2004 and explore the protracted conflict situation despite diverse conflict management efforts in the relatively homogeneous community. The Somali people live in an egalitarian society and are inherently individualistic with little regard for amorphous communal authorities and initiatives. This study wishes to connect this view with elements of capitalists' modernity, which includes urbanism, individualism, and private enterprise in fierce competition for survival. It is interesting to try attributing this to reasons why no solution has been reached considering that 14 conferences have so far been held about the Somalia Peace process. Thus, is the Westphalian nation-state still relevant to the individualistic society? Identifying key issues and actors pertinent to the conflict and review is to be tried. Further interrelations between these a ctors and interested parties are c on'[lict prone and t his as expected adversely impacts on security concerns of the Horn of Africa. The Horn of Africa region is in the process of regional security co-operation through IGAD initiatives that conform to setting the ultimate environment for global security. The Somalia conflict has a spill over effect that frustrates these security initiatives and sets issues that require to be addressed urgently and collectively. Internationalization of conflict recognizes the spill over effect of conflict and resultant security implications in the Horn of Africa. Should IGAD initiate moves th•r..ough the recently established CERWARN (Conflict Early Warning System) mechanism to identify " potential sources of insecurity \I and to facilitate collective and timely pre-emptive action?