Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-fire by a foreign observer mission: The terms of the cease-fire accord signed by both Gen.
Aidid and Ali Mahdi provided for a visit, in late March, by a UN technical team, to survey the situation in Mogadishu, in advance of an unarmed observer mission which was to be dispatched to monitor violations of the accord.
Home page Arab Info Somalia Info Somalia Government Links to Somalia
Comments or suggestions? E-mail
webmaster@arab.de Copyright © 1998 -1999 Arabic German Consulting
Somalia - History
Somalia was formed by a merger of two former colonial territories: British Somaliland, in the north, and its larger and more populous neighbour, Italian Somaliland.
The United Kingdom established a protectorate in British Somaliland in 1886, following the withdrawal of Egyptian garrisons from the area. Italian Somaliland originated in 1889, when Italy concluded agreements with two local rulers, who placed their territories under Italian protection.
Italy´s occupation of the region was extended along the coast and inland, and Italian control was completed in 1927. Accordingly, the union of former British and Italian Somaliland took effect on 1 July 1960, when the independent Somali Republic was proclaimed.
On the same day representatives of the two component territories elected Dr Aden Abdullah Osman, hitherto President of the Somalia Legislative Assembly (the legislature of the southern territory), to be the first President of the new Republic.
During 1991 Somalia was riven by battles for territory between armed groups, mostly divided along clan lines.
By contrast, Somaliland enjoyed several months of relative peace and stability following its declaration of independence, and work began, with the assistance of non-governmental aid organizations, on rebuilding the territory´s infrastructure.
"Somaliland", however, was not recognized as an independent state by the international community, and consequently did not receive the substantial financial aid that its economy required. Sub-clan rivalries within the Isaaq clan, to which the majority of the population in "'Somaliland" belong, emerged in December, when an armed group opposing the SNM took control of the port of Berbera.
Forces of the SNM recaptured the port, but in January 1992 fighting between rival factions within the army was reported in Burao. In March serious fighting resumed in Berbera. President immed Ali ´Tur´ dispatched forces of his own sub-clan, the Habr Yunis, to wrest control of the port from the Issa Musa sub-clan.
Six months of hostilities ensued in Berbera and the town of Burao. In October peace talks were initiated by elders of the sub-clans concerned, which resulted in a cessation of the conflict. The SNM Government was also threatened by non-Isaaq ethnic groups within the borders of "Somaliland" who opposed the secession of the territory. Islamic fundamentalist groups, which were funded by Sudan and Iran, also presented a threat to security.
In January 1992 the UN imposed an embargo on the sale of (armaments to Somalia. In the following month the UN, OAU, the the Arab League and the OIC issued a joint appeal for a cease-fire, stating that it was a prerequisite for the granting of humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Representatives from the rival factions in Mogadishu subsequently joined the conference, and agreed to the terms of a cease-fire accord devised by the international organizations.
In March, in discussions with a joint mission of the UN, the OAU, the OIC and the Arab League in Mogadishu, Gen. Aidid agreed to some form of monitoring of the cease-f