Somalia

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Recent Conflict

Recent Conflict

More than one in 10 Somalis have been forced out of their homes by conflict as Islamist insurgents who ruled the country briefly in 2006 battle against the government. Years of anarchy since the fall of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, combined with frequent drought and rampant inflation, have turned Somalia into the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations.

The lack of services available to Somalis is a direct result of the continuous conflict facing the people. First and foremost is the civil war, which makes trade difficult and leaves markets bare of the food necessary to feed the population. It is also problematic because the Somalis have not had a central government since 1991 to provide them with basic services such as roads, schools, legal protection, and a number of other crucial services. It is incredibly difficult for the people to meet their daily needs.

On top of this conflict, there have also been a number of natural disasters, livestock disease outbreaks, and droughts that have increased the instability of the region. If farmers cannot produce the necessary food, the already marginalised population will be faced with starvation and no money to spend on non-food items. Estimates in the region suggest that between 2.5 and 3 million people are in need of food aid within Somalia, but there is little humanitarian assistance or outside food entering into the region due to the intensity of the conflict.

Somalia is also dealing with a serious humanitarian situation based on the 1.5 million internally displaced persons who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the fighting between the Transitional Government Forces and Islamist militias. There are few resources within communities to ensure these people are adequately cared for, as the remainder of the country is already experiencing intense poverty.

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Latest Country News

13-Jan-2012
Horn of Africa: delivering urgently-needed aid
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Act for Peace Welcomes Dollar for Dollar Initiative
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15-Aug-2011
Faith decorates Dadaab with flowers
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Somalia

Recent Conflict

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