The Involvement of Regional Powers in Somalia since 2004

Somalia was one of the first states to crumble in the Post-cold War world of political disintegration. The complete collapse of the Somali state following Siad Barre's overthrow in 1991, created a vacuum of legitimate institutions that was responsible to administer the country. But, UIC's full control of Mogadishu in 2006 heightened regional and international concern about Somalia's political future. The concern was felt among IGAD member states, the UN, the US and the Arab League. Ethiopia, a UN-backed interim government set up in 2004 and AU peacekeepers have been struggling to impose real authority across the country and even taking measures against insurgents and their active supporters such as Eritrea, engaged in destructive activities designed to derail the peace process in Mogadishu. However, Ethiopia's security and influence in the region is ultimately depend on the support it gets from all Somali clans and Political forces, which become a limiting factor among other things. Despite the efforts of the international community and some neighboring countries for peace, various players from within and outside the country have been impeding the process.