By Standard

The removal of Siad Barre, the military strongman who ruled Somalia with an iron fist in 1991 precipitated a situation that led to anarchy which has persisted for more than two decades. Repeated attempts by regional governments to set up a stable administration in Mogadishu have failed.

The power vacuum left by Siad Barre enabled tribal chieftains in Somalia to carve out territories for themselves, and decades of inter-clan fighting between rival warlords meant that the country could not deal with natural disasters such as drought or enjoy the functions and services offered by organised governments. Somalia has been a jungle of lawlessness.

In 2000, clan elders and other senior figures worn out by constant fights resolved to appoint Abdulkassim Salat Hassan President at a conference held in Djibouti. He was to serve as a transitional president with the aim of reconciling warring militias, but failed.

Meanwhile, groups such as Al-Shabaab had time to grow and ensure that attempts at installing a government in Somalia did not succeed. It was Al-Shabaab who routed the warlords who had presided over the ruin of their country for more than 15 years.

In 2011, the Kenya Defence Forces entered into Somalia and drove the insurgents out of their strongholds, giving hope for the establishment of a stable government, but, as things stand, little has been achieved.

Somalia is a lawless, unstable country. It has offered fertile ground to Al-Shabaab to plan its attacks on Kenyan cities and neighbouring countries. And the latest attack in Mandera where 28 Kenyans were massacred after a passenger bus was ambushed is one of many of such needless attacks.

Yet the President and the Prime Minister of Somalia continue to behave and act in the same manner that the warlords did. They have failed to offer leadership even after regional governments though the African Union Mission to Somalia (Amisom) have spared no effort in making this a reality.

Their constant bickering has even allowed Al-Shabaab to carry out the occasional suicide bombing inside the precincts of Parliament.

Because a relapse into a total state of anarchy puts Kenya at further risk of more terror attacks.

Source: Standard Digital