Warlords of the Somali Civil War (1988-1995)

Abstract

This paper argues that following the fall of Mohammed Siad Barre's regime, leaders of different opposition groups mobilized the government, military, and clan structures towards their own political ends, leading to renewed conflict. Two primary protagonists dominated the Somali Civil War; General Mohammed Farah Aideed and Ali Mahdi Mohammed. Secondary protagonists were Mohammed Said Hersi Morgan and Ahmed Omar Jess. Each warlord used the factions they led, the Somali government, military and people as instruments for pursuing their political interest. Each political leader's interests and the instruments they used to pursue those interests will be analyzed in three categories: government, military and people. The Somali National Front, the Somali Patriotic Movement and the United Somali Congress are the three factions the aforementioned leaders led. Most of these groups were bred out of Somali National Movement. 1 As groups with various interests/agenda emerged, I intend to explain how the faction leaders functioned as political entities inculcating a culture of violence and depravity.