Number: RL33911
Title: Somalia: Current Conditions and Prospects for a Lasting Peace
Authors: Ted Dagne, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: In June 2008, the TFG and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS), a group dominated by members of the ICU, signed an agreement in Djibouti mediated by United Nations Special Envoy Ahmedou Ould-Abdullah. The parties agreed to a cease-fire, the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces, and the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force. Several towns are now administered by the ARS, including Jowhar and Beledweyne. A number of other towns, including the third largest town, Kismaayo, are now under the control of the Al-Shabaab, a group opposed to the TFG and the ARS-Djibouti faction. The next phase of the Somali conflict is likely to occur between the ARS and the Al-Shabaab. In February 2008, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice designated Al-Shabaab as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Meanwhile, Somali pirates have intensified their attacks in the Gulf of Aden, carrying out attacks on over 90 commercial ships, and successfully hijacked over 35 ships in 2008. Currently an estimated 14-18 ships are under the control of the pirates, including a Saudi-owned supertanker, Sirius Star, and a Ukranian-owned ship, MV Faina, with 33 T-72 tanks and other weapons. The pirates have earned more than $50 million in ransom payments, and have released a number of the ships and crew members. The United States, Russia, India, and several other countries have deployed warships to tackle piracy in the Horn of Africa region, although the problem still persists. Some insurgent leaders have warned the pirates to end their illegal activities and to release crew members and ships that they currently control.
Pages: 23
Date: December 18, 2008