Somalia Dilemmas: Changing Security Dynamics, but Limited Policy Choices
By Solomon A. Dersso. ISS paper, October 2010. Somalia’s transitional government has yet to extinguish the security threat of Al Shabaab, who has effectively tapped the Somali diaspora network for support and radicalized segments of some regional Somali communities. Meanwhile, displacement and famine in Al Shabaab’s extensive areas of control are worsening due to its targeting of aid organization and indiscriminate tactics. Somalia’s transitional government must articulate a clearer strategy to reconcile local Somali communities and engage the Somalia diaspora, possibly focused on alleviating humanitarian suffering and civilian vulnerability. Download the Article: [PDF]Arms Flows and the Conflict in Somalia
By Pieter D. Wezeman. SIPRI Background Paper, October 2010. International responses to the protracted instability in Somalia have included both general restrictions on arms supplies and arming specific actors. However, such efforts have generated significant human rights and regional instability risks. Countries seeking to support stabilization efforts should consider channels that are more closely monitored such as through the African Union or directly to its Somalia peacekeeping mission instead of to troop-contributing countries or the Somalia transitional government. Download the Article: [PDF]Fractionalized, Armed and Lethal: Why Somalia Matters
By Mwangi S. Kimenyi. Brookings, February 2010. Numerous influential armed factions benefit from Somalia’s continued statelessness and actively undermine efforts to develop a centralized authority, whether with profits derived from increasing smuggling and piracy or assistance provided by some foreign governments. As a result, current statebuilding or development interventions often produce only fleeting progress. The African Union, regional economic communities, and international partners must complement current programs with efforts to sever anti-government factions from their sources of support. Download the Article: [HTML]Community-Led Stabilization in Somalia
By Siris Hartkorn. Forced Migration Review, 2011. Access by international actors to provide humanitarian assistance in Somalia is complicated by the presence of numerous Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs). While many are dangerous and predatory, some NSAGs are viewed as legitimate among the local population and community. Although controversial, engaging with comparatively responsible and legitimate NSAGs through community safety projects to ensure civilian security may be necessary and productive in cases like Somalia, where central state authority is severely limited. Download the Article: [PDF]Somalia: Understanding Al-Shabaab
Somalia: Understanding Al-Shabaab. By Paula Cristina Roque. Institute for Security Studies. June 3, 2009.
Somalia's al-Shabaab extreme Islamist group is well organized, financed, and armed. However, it is no monolithic group and features many internal variations in leadership, tactics, and ideology. Its relative strength is attributable more to the weakness of alternative sources of authority in a chaotic failed state.
Download the Article: [PDF]Somalia's Endless Transition: Breaking the Deadlock
By Andre Le Sage. Institute for National Strategic Studies, 2010.
Before Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) can confront al-Shabaab and the country’s other powerful militias it must first begin building credibility with key constituents. Somalia's neighbors and the international community should coordinate their efforts to pressure and empower the TFG to conduct outreach to local and sub-national moderate groups and target spoilers with sanctions.
Download the Article: [PDF]Hostages to Peace: Threats to Human Rights and Democracy in Somaliland
Human Rights Watch. July 2009. A well researched report on the political and human rights environment in Somaliland. While offering Somaliland due praise for political achievements amidst challenging circumstances, the report details the host of democratic shortcomings facing the country as well as recommendations for the way forward. Download the Article: [PDF]Violent Islamic Extremism: Al-Shabaab Recruitment in America
By Ken Menkhaus. Hearing before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; United States Senate. March 11, 2009. A comprehensive look at the factors that have attracted some Somali-Americans to join Al-Shabaab. Provides insightful analysis on the complex web of events, groups, and perceptions that have shaped events and beliefs in Somalia and among the diaspora. The author maps Somali reactions to the ICU, TFG, al-Shabaab, Ethiopia's invasion, and U.S. involvement. The testimony concludes with a discussion on the Somali diaspora in America and thoughts for U.S. law enforcement to consider when dealing with the Somali-American community. Download the Article: [PDF]
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