Somalia backgrounder

Last Modified: 09 Jan 2007
By: Channel 4 News

Somalia has become a regional focus in the conflict between the west and al-Qaida.

Somalia is an example of a failed state. It currently has no recognised central government authority, and power resides in the hands of local groups in areas of the country such as Somaliland and Puntland.

Until very recently authority in the capital, Mogadishu, and the south of the country was wielded by the Supreme Islamic Courts Council, a Muslim grouping which some allege has links to al-Qaida.

So what is the background to the current situation in the country?

Recent history
Somalia was created in 1960, the result of a merger between the British Somaliland Protectorate and Italian Somaliland.

In 1969 Mohamed Siad Barre became president and proclaimed a socialist state.

Between 1977 and 1978 Somalia fought the Ogaden War with its neighbour, Ethiopia.

In 1991 President Barre was unseated amid regional factional fighting. However, the opposing clans failed to agree on a replacement, and Somalia was plunged into lawlessness.

In 2000 a transitional government was set up after a conference in Djibouti. Four years later the country's main warlords and politicians signed a deal to set up a new parliament.

What is the current fighting about?
Although Somalia is riven by factionalism, the two main opposing forces in the country are the transitional government, under interim president Abdullahi Yusuf, with their base in Baidoa, and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), who have been based in Mogadishu and southern Somalia.

The interim government is supported by Ethiopia, who the UN estimates to have sent some 8,000 troops into the country to fight the UIC, and the United States. The US is concerned that a successful UIC might act as a conduit for greater al-Qaida activity in this part of Africa.

The Islamic courts were originally set up by Somali businessmen to punish thieves and those who did not respect their contracts. The courts subsequently merged to form the UIC. The UIC's origins help to explain why it is divided between moderates and hardliners.

What is the latest situation?
UIC forces engaged in battle with Ethiopian troops at the start of December. By 28 December Somali government and Ethiopian troops had regained control of Mogadishu.

It emerged today (4 January) that Kenya has tightened border security to stop an influx of fighters from the UIC. Meanwhile US Navy vessels have deployed off the Somalia coast to prevent UIC leaders from fleeing the country.