Opinion | Editorials
In the land of the lawless the ak47 rules
Somalia could collapse into total anarchy if international community takes no action.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:04 June 28, 2008
The festering sore that is Somalia has been in a state of collapse for nearly three decades, following one war after another. It is likely that many people will remember the book and the film titled Black Hawk Down, which told the story of an American action that went wrong in Mogadishu inflicting casualties on American troops and Somalis in October 1993. Having taken such a bruising, the US pulled out of Somalia, leaving the UN and its Operation United Shield to continue until March 1995, when it also withdrew, having suffered significant casualties.
Somalia descended into a state of lawlessness, with warlords ruling the roost through fear and constant violence. There was no federal government to speak of, as only some regions recognised an interim government which the international community failed to support.
To this day there is still no sign of peace or stability, only the people's heavy need for aid and assistance from outside agencies. For this aid to arrive in Somalia, it has been necessary for the UN Security Council to authorise foreign warships to enter Somali waters, as cargo vessels and other shipping were constantly being raided by pirates.
However, it is one thing to get the succour to Somalia, it is quite another for aid agencies to be able to effectively distribute it to those most in need. Regrettably much of the aid is diverted by those who have the largest arsenals, the AK47 being a persuasive force in arguments. Fighting gangs armed with modern machinery are no match for the more primitive weapons, such as spears and machetes. Although there may be a willingness on the part of other nations to intercede and rebuild Somalia, thus far it is only Ethiopia that has done so and apparently for certain reasons. The fear now is unless international action is taken, Somalia may well be a lawless enclave on the map of Africa.
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