International Crisis Group
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Somalia| Horn of Africa
Detailed conflict history
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Recent reports and briefings

The October 2004 formation, in Kenya, of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia was heralded as a breakthrough and a possible remedy to Somalia’s protracted crisis. This optimism dissipated over the next year as internal divisions prevented the TFG from making any progress on state building tasks. In June 2006, after months of  fighting between Mogadishu’s U.S.-backed militia leaders and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), the UIC took control of the capital city and appointed a hardline Islamic leader to head its new legislature. The takeover caused international and regional concern that the country could descend again into civil war unless the weak TFG, based in Baidoa, and UIC were able to agree on how to rebuild the country. Ethiopian and TFG forces retook Mogadishu on 28 December 2006, dissolving the tenuous order brought to the city by UIC control, and continued their advance to include the UIC's southern stronghold of Kismaayo.

Crisis Group’s Nairobi-based team reports and recommends policy on the situation in Somalia.

Our reports on Somalia are listed below, starting with the most recent. You can also search for relevant reports using the search box in the top right hand side of this page.

Articles, op-eds, speeches and media releases can be found under the media section.

Click here for a more detailed history of the country/conflict.


Recent reports & briefings