Underlying Causes for Political Instability in Somalia

Since Somalia had been granted independence in 1960, Somalia did have a well working parliamentary democracy for nine years. During the nine-year period of parliamentary democracy that followed Somali independence, freedom of expression was widely regarded as being derived from the traditional right of every man to be heard. The national ideal professed by Somalis was one of political and legal equality in which historical Somali values and acquired Western practices appeared to coincide (Somalia: From Inde

In addition to the ongoing struggle for a leader, they have had immense economic problems. One of the world's poorest and least developed countries, Somalia has few resources. Moreover, much of the economy has been devastated by the civil war. Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Nomads and semi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the population. Crop production generates only 10% of GDP and employs about 20% of the work force. After livestock, bananas are the principal export; sugar, sorghum, corn, and fish are products for the domestic market. The small industrial sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, accounts for less than 10% of GDP; most facilities have been shut down because of the civil strife. Moreover, ongoing civil disturbances in Mogadishu and outlying areas are interfering with any substantial economic advance (Worldrover: Somalia 1). This weak economy discourages people to run the country. Without any source of good profits in Somalia, it is worthless to try to stabilize it with all the work it requires. It is part of human nature to become powerful and wealthy but with all the work and effort that will be needed to give Somalia a functioning government, it is worthless to try if at the end you get very little.

The have been many attempts to place a functioning government in Somalia. When Barre took over in 1969, he attempted to stabilize the country and control it. Unfortunately, a little bad luck ruined his plans. Faced with shrinking popularity and an armed and organized domestic resistance, Siad Barre unleashed a reign of terror against the Majeerteen, the Hawiye, and the Isaaq, carried out by the Red Berets, a dreaded elite unit recruited from among the president's Mareehaan clansmen. Thus, by the beginning of 1986 Siad Barre's grip on power seemed secure, despite the host of problems facing the regime. The president received a severe blow from an unexpected quarter, however. On the evening of May 23, he was severely injured in an automobile accident. Astonishingly, although at the time he was in his early seventies and suffered from chronic diabetes, Siad Barre recovered sufficiently to resume the reins of government following a month's recuperation. But the accident unleashed a power struggle among senior army commandants, elements of the president's Mareehaan clan, and related factions, whose infighting practically brought the country to a standstill (Somalis: Said Barre’s Repressive Measures 1). After Barre was overthrown in 1991, the UN tried to stabilize the country and trying to target Muhammad Farah Aidid, which they considered their main obstacle between them, and a stable Somalia. All of their attempts to stabilize failed but they saved an estimated 300,000 lives from famine and starvation. The clans also tried to create a government for their country, and still are.

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