Forum:
Economic and Social Council
Issue:
Issue 401: Aiding Somalia on the Issue of Economic Recovery
Student Officer: Eric Rauschkolb Position:
Head chair of the Economic and Social Council
Introduction Somalia is a nation located in East Africa bordering the Gulf of Aden, Ethiopia, Kenya and the Arabian Sea. The nation of Somalia is currently considered a failed state due to the rampant civil war, territorial disputes, dangerous piracy and famine. Somalia has been engulfed in civil war ever since President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991. The internationally recognized Transitional federal Government in Somalia has been fighting to keep control of the country, while the Al Shabab resistance movement is looking to overthrow the government. Both parties are locked in a stalemate, resulting in little overall change and many civilian casualties. International efforts to stop the violence and instability caused by the civil war have proven unsuccessful. Although Somalia has a somewhat stable economy, economists are worried that the civil war will lead to economic decline and eventual collapse. Not only would this prove disastrous in Somalia, but it would be detrimental to surrounding nations as well. Territorial disputes have also been a major problem facing Somalia. Two regions in particular, Somaliland and Puntland consider themselves independent from Somalia, although they are not internationally recognized nations. The ongoing efforts of independence from these regions have caused further instability in the country, as the regions do not consider the Transitional Federal Government as the true Government.
Somalia is a nation that is also infamous for its rampant piracy. The waters surrounding the coast of Somalia are some of the most dangerous due to the many hijackings occurring in the region. Unfortunately for the international community, the waters surrounding Somalia and the Indian Ocean are busy world commerce and shipping lanes. Piracy in Somalia is not only a problem for Somalia, but also for every country which use the shipping lanes for economic benefit. Efforts such as security forces and heightened awareness have been implemented; however, hijacking of large vessels still occur every year. Finally, the Famine in Somalia has caused many problems for the nation. In the mid 2000s, East Africa was hit by one of the worst droughts ever recorded. Crops began to die and people began to starve. By 2011, it was estimated that 750,000 Somalis were at risk of death from starvation. Although humanitarian aid has been sent to Somalia and the famine has been reduced, it still poses a risk for the Somali people. Not only does the famine cause problems on a humanitarian level, but it also causes social instability as people fight with each other over food.
Definition of Key Terms Somalia
A nation located in East Africa; surrounded by Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Gulf of Aden. Famine: A widespread scarcity of food in a region. It can be caused by many factors such as crop failures, unbalanced population and government policies. Famine can go on to become mass starvation and eventually death. African Union A union consisting of 54 African nations. Its goals include creating peace and stability in the continent, accelerating economic and political growth, and to promote human rights. Civil War A war between political factions or regions within the same country. Somalia has been involved in civil war since 1991. Al Shabab A Somali islamic insurgent group. This group is involved in the current civil war in Somalia, attempting to overthrow the Transitional Federal Government. It is considered a terrorist organization by several Western Nations. The group has confirmed ties to Al Qaeda and is estimated to have between 7,000 and 9,000 freedom fighters. Transitional Federal Government The internationally recognized government of Somalia. It has been struggling to keep control of the country, as they are currently engaged in civil war with Al Shabab. Puntland and Somaliland Self governing autonomous regions in Somalia. They are seeking independence; however, are not internationally recognized as independent from Somalia.
General Overview Current Situation in Somalia The situation in Somalia has been called dire by many experts and UN officials. Somalia is a nation that can be considered a failed state due to the many problems it faces. The problems specifically revolve around the Somali civil war, although secondary problems such as the piracy, famine, and territorial disputes add to the problems.
Civil War The main problem within Somalia lies in the civil war, which has plagued the country since 1991. Clan organizations managed to overthrow the standing military government. These clans began competing for influence, creating a huge vacuum of power and resulting in large amounts of violence. As mentioned previously, the UN has attempted many missions to end the conflict, none of which have been successful. As of this moment the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia is considered the recognized governing body of Somalia, although many of the opposition groups, particularly Al Shabaab (which is the largest) have a lot of support. Al Shabaab Al Shabaab is responsible for many of the problems plaguing Somalia in recent times, particularly problems involving the Civil War. They are considered the main opposition against the recognized Transitional Federal government, and are responsible for many of the violent clashes witnessed in Somalia. In addition, Al Shabaab is largely responsible for the faltering humanitarian aid given to famine victims, as the constant fighting makes administering care to victims very difficult. The international community has tried to negociate a ceasefire between Al Shabaab and the Transitional Federal Government; however, all attempts have failed.
Territorial Disputes
The constant warfare has allowed two regions, Somaliland and Puntland, an opportunity to begin independence movements. Although not formally recognized, both territories now consider themselves independent from Somalia. Both are now considered autonomous regions by the international community, which means that Puntland and Somaliland actually have their own unrecognized government. As efforts for independence from both regions have continued, it has led to greater weakness in the Transitional Federal Government, which has to work to keep a united nation.
Piracy Somalia is a nation that is infamous for its piracy. Stretching into the Arabian Sea, their presence has allowed the entire area to be considered some of the most dangerous waters in the world. It is estimated that piracy is responsible for the loss of approximately 6.8 billion dollars a year on commercial trade expenses. In 2012 alone, there were 16 attempted hijackings of international vessels.
Famine In 2011, the UN announced a state of emergency, as East Africa experienced a horrendous drought. The shortage of water caused a severe food crisis within the region. The situation became so bad in fact, that 9.5 million were threatened. As time has passed, the famine has been addressed, saving the lives of millions of people. Food shortage however is still a major problem in Somalia, as many people are still fighting starvation
Major Parties Involved Al Shabab This extremist group is largely responsible for the situation in Somalia. By starting the civil war in the country, they are straining the economic and political stability of Somalia.
Kenya Kenya is one of the main countries involved within the Amisom Mission. Kenya has placed great care and resources on improving the situation in Somalia by providing supplies, troops and
support. In addition, Kenya received many refugees from Somalia during the Famine in the mid 2000s
African Union The African Union has played a major part in Somalia. It called for the creation of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) which was later granted United Nations support. It is a mission that began in 2007, and its efforts in Somalia continue to this day.
United States, Great Britain, China, France, Russia As the five permanent members of the Security Council, these nations have had much influence over the actions taken in Somalia. They are credited for proposing and unanimously adopting resolutions which have led to peacekeeping operations in Somalia, such as the UNISOM mission. Timeline of Events 1887 Britain claims Somalia as a protectorate. 1889 Italy sets up a protectorate in central Somalia, later consolidated with territory in the south ceded by the sultan of Zanzibar. 1960 British and Italian parts of Somalia become independent, merge and form the United Republic of Somalia; Aden Abdullah Osman Daar is elected president. 1963 Border dispute with Kenya; diplomatic relations with Britain broken until 1968. 1964 Border dispute with Ethiopia erupts into hostilities. 197475 Severe drought causes widespread starvation. 1991 Former British protectorate of Somaliland declares unilateral independence. 1992 US Marines land near Mogadishu ahead of a UN peacekeeping force sent to restore order and safeguard relief supplies. 1995 UN peacekeepers leave, having failed to achieve their mission. 1998 Puntland region declares autonomy. 2001 August UN appeals for food aid for half a million people in the droughthit south. 2006 March and May Scores of people are killed and hundreds are injured during fierce fighting
between rival militias in Mogadishu. It is the worst violence in almost a decade. 2007 February UN Security Council authorises a sixmonth African Union peacekeeping mission for Somalia. (AMISOM) 2009 January Fighters from the radical Islamist alShabab militia take control of the town of Baidoa, formerly a key stronghold of the transitional government. 2013 April President Barack Obama clears way for US to provide military assistance to Somalia after UN Security Council votes for partial lifting of embargo on selling arms to Somalia for a year in March.
UN Involvement and Relevant Resolutions The UN has attempted multiple missions to Somalia, with the purpose of aiding in humanitarian efforts, and establishing security and peace. The main mission was given the name UNISOM, which stands for United Nations Mission in Somalia. The mission took place between 1993 and 1995. The mission is most notable for the battle of Mogadishu, which resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths. After both years, UNISOM was considered a failure since it failed to deal with Somalia’s root problems, and made no progress in restructuring the movement. Currently, the UN has been collaborating with the African Union in what has been titled the AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia). The mission, which began in 2007 originated based on the ideas of the African Union. Gradually however, the UN has become more involved in the mission, providing the African Union with supplies and equipment. The mission continues to this day but has had limited success. ●
United Nations Security Council resolution 751
This resolution was passed on April 24th, 1992, and was drafted on the focus of the Somali civil war. This resolution is credited for creating the original Unisom Mission in Somalia. It was passed unanimously by the Security Council. Although many resolutions followed with an effort to extend the
duration of the UNISOM mission, resolution 751 was credited for originally starting the mission. ●
United Nations Security Council resolution 1725
This resolution was passed on December 6th, 2006, and was drafted on the focus of interest in the African Union’s efforts in Somalia. It was passed unanimously by the Security Council. After the passing of this resolution, the UN began supporting the African Union’s efforts in Somalia, a mission which would later be named AMISOM. From the drafting of the resolution until the present day, AMISOM continues in Africa, with the UN supplying much of the equipment and supplies.
Evaluation of Previous attempts to solve the issue The UN considered the UNISOM mission a failure, as it was created in an effort to promote peace and security, yet the situation only became more violent within Somalia. In addition, UNISOM led to the battle of Mogadishu, which led to over 3,000 casualties and the destruction of the cities agriculture. UNISOM also failed to address the root problems of Somalia, and made no progress in establishing a strong, recognized government. AMISOM has also encountered limited success. Although military confrontations against the opposition of the Transitional Federal Government have been somewhat successful, Somalia is still engulfed in civil war, hunger is still widespread, and the economy and society are still in heavy risk. It is important to remember, however, that AMISOM continues to this day, and it is possible that the mission could encounter greater success.
Possible Solutions Delegates should focus primarily on forming solutions to end the civil war in Somalia. If this can be achieved, it will lead to an improvement in the economy in Somalia, along with social conditions. The best way to end the civil war in Somalia is to somehow end the opposition party, which is made up mostly by the Al Shabab organization. By limiting or somehow preventing their influence, the civil war
could be stopped.
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