A Study of the Role of Islamic Groups in Somalia

Putting behind a colonial period under Great Britain and Italy, Somalia experienced an age of military dictatorship that enforced former Soviet Union model of administration. During the Cold War, Somalia turned to be a field of competition for the Soviet Union and the United States because of its geopolitical situation. Upon the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Somalia became the scene of bloody civil war for political power because of its traditional tribal structure. The United Nations made many initiatives to establish a national and central government in this country, but all its efforts were in vain. Fundamentalist Islamic groups in Somalia, too, have a role in the commotions, tribal disputes and the civil war for power. The Islamic groups boosted political activities ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union so that today, they have a key role in domestic developments and foreign policy of Somalia. During the recent years, Somalia has become the focus of mass media because of the Somali pirates in the Gulf of Eden and the civil war that has attracted regional and international attention. Given the above, it is necessary to establish peace and security in this country and consequently in the strategic Horn of Africa, Gulf of Eden, and Bab el Mandeb.
This paper intends to clarify reasons behind formation of Islamic fundamentalist groups in Somalia, their relationship with Al-Qaeda and the pirates, as well as hopes and prospects for formation of a central Islamic government in this African country.