Francesca M. History Post

The Horne of Africa has been known as a home to Somalia for many years. Originally, European countries, such as France and Britain, colonized Somalia and established ports along the coast in order to trade with India and travelers along the Indian Ocean. The region eventually gained independence on June 26, 1960 when Britain and Italy decided to merge their colonies to form the Somali Republic, or just simply known as modern day Somalia. However, the country has been in a state of chaos since. Over time, piracy, famine, and corrupt warlords have been destroying the country’s population, economy, and central government system.

            Piracy has been a known problem for Somalia for over fifteen years, but has recently been increasing in the last five. “In 2008, there were over 120 acts of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, compared to only 37 during of 2007.” (PiratesofSomalia) The rise of the piracy industry is a result of the extreme famine and lack of jobs within the country. When the central government fell in 1991, the coast was left unguarded. “The result has been overfishing and the dumping of hazardous waste in unregulated waterways.” (SeaBandits) Somalia's economy is based on the export of livestock and crops. Severe droughts have been drying out the country's soil, and Somalia's food supply and economy as well. Many citizens are jobless and hungry, and have been turning to fishing and trade with other countries for survival. The open seas, mainly around the Gulf of Aden, now filled with fishing boats provide a profitable and worthwhile occupation for the jobless citizens of Somalia- piracy. The lack of a central authority has allowed for piracy to continue to grow and create more chaos for the country.

            The fall of Dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 has left Somalia without a central government or leader. Instead, a raging civil war between corrupt warlords has been occurring in Somalia ever since. This civil war is a result of opposition to Barre's regime. When Barre first became dictator, he organized the government to promote scientific socialism. Since Islam is the dominant religion in the country, many Muslims argued that this type of government was inconsistent with their beliefs. Barre turned to the Soviet Union for support, but their alliance did not last. When Somalia invaded Ogden, an area in southeastern Ethiopia, they gained the support of the Soviet Union and with the help of Cuban troops, were able to push back the Somalis in 1978, and called for the end of the alliance between the two countries. Almost a decade later, rebel fighting broke out in the North of Somalia when Barre was accused of excluding members of the Mijertyn and Isaak clans from government positions. Many did not agree with Barre's scientific socialism as well. Many newspapers and witnesses spoke out against Barre, claiming that “he killed thousands of citizens, and tortured innocent civilians suspected of collaborating with the rebels.” (James) As a result, the fighting continues still today, leaving Somalia without a central power.

            To this day, Somalia is suffering due to piracy, warlords and extreme famine. Due to an arid climate, Somalia is known for its agriculture and livestock. Severe droughts have been affecting the land, preventing farmers and pastors from raising their animals and planting crops. Many jobless citizens are now turning to seas looking to provide for their families and themselves, especially the piracy industry. Since Somalia’s government fell due to Mohamed Siad Barre’s regime, piracy rates have been increasing over the years while the population and economy have been decreasing. Some consider Somalia no longer a state, but rather a region of anarchy. 

James, George. "Somalia's Overthrown Dictator, Mohammed Siad Barre, Is

Dead." The New York Times 3 Jan. 1995. Web. 09 May 2012.

<http://www.netnomad.com/barreobits.html>.

"Pirates of Somalia." The Boston Globe. 16 Mar. 2009. Web.

<http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/pirates_of_somalia.html>.

"Sea Bandits: Poverty, Business and the Rise of Somali Piracy." Sea Bandits:

Poverty, Business and the Rise of Somali Piracy. Web. 08 May 2012.

<http://noreaster.neanarchist.net/issue4/article4.html>.