Somalia has always been one of the most unstable countries in Africa. But the present humanitarian crisis, according to many, rivals that in Darfur. What caused it?
The brief takeover of the country by the Islamists [Union of Islamic Courts] in 2006 was the only welcome respite that the country had from strife. The Islamists restored order after defeating the corrupt and ever-fighting clans that ruled the country. But Ethiopia and the US did not want the rule to continue and soon overthrew their reign.
What came in its place was a weak government propped up by Ethiopia. Now this government and Ethiopian forces are fighting to drive the determined Islamists out of Mogadishu. The massive fighting, with no regard for the civilians, has led the people fleeing the capital and living in tents.
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But nature has been cruel to Somalia. The instability in the country is only one of the problems. Floods, droughts and locusts have added to the woes. The result is that people are starving. Aid agencies have avoided the country as aid workers have been attacked and killed. Ships laden with food for the starving people of Mogadishu have been looted by pirates.
The only real hope for the suffering people in Mogadishu is that the weak government enters into an agreement with the Islamists to restore stability. But since the Islamists are unacceptable to the US [It has labeled them as being backed by Al Qaeda] and Ethiopia, it is unlikely there will an early end to the woes of the people in Somalia.
