Chapter 4: Red Sea, Horn of Africa
Somalia: Overview
Facts
/ Geography, Climate / Cities
/ Posture Statement Excerpt
Leadership
/ System Essentials / Infrastructure
/ Population / Fielded Forces
/ Table of Contents
Flat plateau surfaces and plains predominate throughout the country with the principle exception being the rugged east-west ranges in far north that include Shimbir Berris (highest point at 2,407 meters). Somalia has a long coastline with few natural harbors and its two primary rivers are found on the southern plateau.
The climate in Somalia is continuously hot except at higher elevations in the north. The country has two wet seasons which bring erratic rainfall, largely in April to June and October to November.
The humanitarian tragedy in Somalia resulted from protracted, near-civil war conditions. The unprecedented UN international humanitarian relief effort reduced the suffering and famine experienced by the Somali people, and undoubtedly saved hundreds of thousands of lives. This effort, though initially successful, failed to motivate the Somali people to establish a central democratic government or mechanism for infrastructure development. Political chaos therefore continues in Somalia with no end in sight.
Though outside assistance remains essential for stability in Somalia, the United Nations may soon terminate its formal commitment to the country (note: UNOSOM II terminated in March 1995). In 1992 Operation PROVIDE RELIEF reduced the effects of famine through the introduction of UN forces and arrival of relief supplies, and Operation RESTORE HOPE brought an improved state of security to the nation. However, neither brought any real progress in the way of political reform. In May 1993 all foreign forces operating in the country were brought under UNOSOM II. After months of a steadily deteriorating security situation, additional U.S. forces arrived to provide added protection to UNOSOM forces. Upon determining that the situation in Somalia was no longer tenable, the U.S. withdrew its forces in March 1994 and subsequently moved the U.S. Liaison Office to Nairobi in September 1994. As the political chaos in Somalia worsens, the requirement for a legitimate democratic government becomes even more imperative.