Factions in the Somali Civil War
Encyclopedia
Over the course of the Somali Civil War
, there have been many revolutionary movement
s and militia
groups run by competing warlord
s which have held de facto control over vast areas of the country.
Somali Salvation Democratic Front
First Somali resistance group.
Took part in a 1982 Ethiopia
n border offensive against Somalia.
The SSDF tried to ally with the SNM in 1983, but they failed to agree to a common strategy.
Somali National Front
The SNF was a political revolutionary movement
and armed militia
in Somalia
. Initially made up of loyalists to former President of Somalia Siad Barre
and the remnants of the Somali National Army forces after his ouster from office, the SNF's intent and goal was to recapture Mogadishu
and reinstate Barre's regime. Later, under General Omar Hagi Masallah, the SNF united the Marehan
with the other Darod
clans led by General Mohammed Said Hersi "Morgan", and then attempted to conquer the region around Kismayo to form the autonomous district of Jubaland
.
Somali National Movement
Isaaq tribe members had founded the movement in 1981 as emigres to London with the express purpose of overthrowing the Barre regime. They eventually moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and gained the support of the Ethiopian government.
On January 2, 1982 operating near Berbera
, the group attacked Mandera Prison to free political prisoners while simultaneously raiding Cadaadle armory.
Between 1985 and 1987, the SNM conducted many attacks on government facilities and troops based out of camps in Ethiopia.
By 1988, the SNM moved out of their camps in Ethiopia and began operating in northern Somalia, the area now known as Somaliland
. They even temporarily occupied the provincial capitals of Burao and Hargeysa.
They captured government Toyota Land Cruisers turned them into technicals
by mounting 12.7 mm and 14.5 mm machineguns, 106 mm recoilless rifle
s, and BM-21
rocket launchers. They also operated various antiaircraft guns, such as the ZU-23-2
.
By 1991, they had taken control of Hargeysa, Berbera
, Burao, and Erigavo. On May 18, 1991, they declared the Republic of Somaliland.
Begun by a group of disaffected Ogadeni officers.
A key accomplishment was the seizure of Balli-Dogle air base in the days prior to Barre's flight from Mogadishu.
United Somali Congress
On January 26, 1991, the USC stormed the Presidential palace in Mogadishu
, taking control of the capital and forcing Siad Barre into exile.
In November 1991, factionalism between Gen. Aidid and Ali Mahdi Mahammad caused a split in the USC. Mohamed Qanyare Afrah was chosen to be the Chairman of the smaller, breakaway "USC Madhi" faction. This leadership position was not recognized by Gen. Aidid.
Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya
The Isaaq
-dominated northern Somaliland region of Somalia declared its independence in 1991, but has not been recognized by any country or international organization as a sovereign nation.
Somali National Alliance
Its constituents included Mohamed Aidid's breakaway United Somali Congress
faction, the Somali Patriotic Movement
, Southern Somali National Movement, and other southern factions. His son, Hussein Aidid, assumed leadership upon his death. The SNA became the core of the SRRC in 2001.
Somali National Front
Loyalists to Siad Barre, the remnants of his army forces founded the SNF militia after his ouster from office.
Their intent and goal was to recapture Mogadishu and reinstate the regime of Siad Barre, and to etablish regional state in Gedo, Middle and Lower Jubba.
Pro-Barre faction. Fought against other liberation movements during Barre's reign. Reconciled in 1991 with the SNM to form the Republic of Somaliland
. Thereafter, sought the independence of Somaliland from the rest of Somalia.
The original USF joined with the SNM in the creation of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Issa clan is a Somali clan that spreads across northwest Somaliland and the nation of Djibouti. The "new" USF especially sought to represent the interests of the Djibouti-based Iise.
One of the few non-Somali entities.
A political party that was active in the 1960s but was forced into dissolution during the Barre regime. It revived after his downfall.
The "new" USP had no affiliation to the original group founded in the 1950s. The new group that bore their name were generally pro-Siad, but key participants in the Reconciliation Conference of the Elders of the Republic of Somaliland at Borama in early 1993.
and the Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia
saw the presence of no less than 15 separate factions, including the offshoot SNA branches of USC and SPM. It was a plethora of acronyms: SAMO, SDA, SDM, SNA, SNDU, SNF, SNU, SPM, SPM-(SNA), SSDF, SSNM-(SNA), USC-(SNA), USC, USF, USP. Aidid's four SNA-aligned factions comprised a powerful bloc.
The progressive tone of the proceedings was undercut by the actual lack of progress in the regions and on the streets of Mogadishu. In time, new factions emerged as the Somali Civil War entered a new phase: disintegration into independent and autonomous states.
Somali Civil War
The Somali Civil War is an ongoing civil war taking place in Somalia. The conflict, which began in 1991, has caused destabilisation throughout the country, with the current phase of the conflict seeing the Somali government losing substantial control of the state to rebel forces...
, there have been many revolutionary movement
Revolutionary movement
Revolutionary movement is a specific type of social movement dedicated to carrying out a revolution. Charles Tilly defines it as a social movement advancing exclusive competing claims to control of the state, or some segment of it. An example of a revolutionary movement is the Armenian...
s and militia
Militia
The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
groups run by competing warlord
Warlord
A warlord is a person with power who has both military and civil control over a subnational area due to armed forces loyal to the warlord and not to a central authority. The term can also mean one who espouses the ideal that war is necessary, and has the means and authority to engage in war...
s which have held de facto control over vast areas of the country.
Somali Salvation Democratic FrontSomali Salvation Democratic FrontSomali Salvation Democratic Front , initially known as the Democratic Front for Salvation of Somalia was a political and paramilitary umbrella organization in Somalia. Founded in 1978 by several army officers, it was the first of several opposition groups dedicated to ousting the authoritarian...
(SSDF)
First Somali resistance group.- Leaders: Dr. Hassan Ali Mireh, Abdullahi Yusuf AhmedAbdullahi Yusuf AhmedAbdullahi Yusuf Ahmed is a veteran Somali politician. He is one of the founders of the Somali Salvation Democratic Front, as well as the Puntland State of Somalia, where he served as the autonomous region's first President...
, General Mohamed Abshir Musa, Mohammed Abshir Waldo (General Secretary) - Area of Operations: 1988: MudugMudugMudug is an administrative region in north-central Somalia. Bordered by the Ogaden, the Somalian regions of Nugaal and Galguduud, and the Indian Ocean, its capital is the city of Galkacyo.-Districts:...
region in central Somalia and NugaalNugaalNugal is an administrative region in northeastern Somalia.-Overview:It is bordered by Ethiopia and the Somalian regions of Sool to the west, Bari to the north, and Mudug to the south, with the Indian Ocean to the east....
and BariBariBari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia region, on the Adriatic Sea, in Italy. It is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas...
regions in southern Somalia; 1991: northeast Somalia (PuntlandPuntlandPuntland , officially the Puntland State of Somalia , is a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998....
) - Tribal Affiliation: Majerteen and DaroodDaroodDarood can mean:*Darod, a Somali clan*Durood, a phrase complimenting Muhammad*Darood, a Sufi concentration...
clans - Founded: 1978 by several army officers, it was the first of several opposition groups dedicated to ousting the authoritarian regime of Mohamed Siad Barre.
Took part in a 1982 Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
n border offensive against Somalia.
The SSDF tried to ally with the SNM in 1983, but they failed to agree to a common strategy.
Somali National FrontSomali National FrontThe Somali National Front was a political revolutionary movement and armed militia in Somalia.-History:Initially made up of loyalists to former President of Somalia Siad Barre and the remnants of the Somali National Army forces after his ouster from office, the SNF's intent and goal was to...
(SNF)
The SNF was a political revolutionary movementRevolutionary movement
Revolutionary movement is a specific type of social movement dedicated to carrying out a revolution. Charles Tilly defines it as a social movement advancing exclusive competing claims to control of the state, or some segment of it. An example of a revolutionary movement is the Armenian...
and armed militia
Militia
The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
in Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
. Initially made up of loyalists to former President of Somalia Siad Barre
Siad Barre
Mohamed Siad Barre was the military dictator and President of the Somali Democratic Republic from 1969 to 1991. During his rule, he styled himself as Jaalle Siyaad ....
and the remnants of the Somali National Army forces after his ouster from office, the SNF's intent and goal was to recapture Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
and reinstate Barre's regime. Later, under General Omar Hagi Masallah, the SNF united the Marehan
Marehan
The Marehan are a Somali clan. They are one of the major Darod sub-clans, forming a part of the Sade confederation of clans. The majority of the Marehan live in the Jubbada Hoose, Gedo and Jubbada Dhexe regions in southwestern Somalia, as well as the Galguduud and Mudug regions in central...
with the other Darod
Darod
The Darod is a Somali clan. The father of this clan is named Abdirahman bin Isma'il al-Jabarti, but is more commonly known as Darod. In the Somali language, the word Daarood means "an enclosed compound," a conflation of the two words daar and ood .The Darod population in Somalia lives principally...
clans led by General Mohammed Said Hersi "Morgan", and then attempted to conquer the region around Kismayo to form the autonomous district of Jubaland
Jubaland
Jubaland , also known as Azania or the Juba Valley and formerly as Trans-Juba , is an autonomous region in southern Somalia. Its eastern border lies 40–60 km east of the Jubba River, stretching from Gedo to the Indian Ocean, while its western side flanks the North Eastern Province in...
.
- Leaders: General Siad Barre, Mohammed Said Samatar "Gacaliye", Ahmed Sheikh Ali Ahmed "Burale", Dr. Ali Nur, Gen Omar Hagi Massale, General Mohammed Hashi Gaani, Col Barre Hiiraale, Col. Abdirizak Issak Bihi.
- Area of Operations: Southern and Central Somalia; occasional forays to outskirts of Mogadishu and neighboring borders.
- Tribal Affiliation: Marehan (Mareehaan)
- Founded: March 1991
Somali National MovementSomali National MovementThe Somali National Movement was a 1980s-1990s Somali rebel group. Founded and led by Isaaq members to protect the clan's interests, it was key in the formation of Somaliland, a self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia.-Formation:In April...
(SNM)
- Leaders: Ahmad Mahammad Culaid, Ahmad Ismaaiil Abdi, Abdulqaadir Kosar Abdi, Ahmed M. Mahamoud SilanyoAhmed M. Mahamoud SilanyoAhmed Mahamoud Silanyo is a Somali politician. He is the current President of Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic internationally recognized as an autonomous region in Somalia...
, Abdirahman Ahmed Ali TuurAbdirahman Ahmed Ali TuurFor the Somali politician executed for apostasy in 2009, see Abdirahman AhmedAbdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur was a Somali politician... - Area of Operations: Northern Somalia (SomalilandSomalilandSomaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of...
) - Tribal Affiliation: Isaaq
- Founded: 1981
Isaaq tribe members had founded the movement in 1981 as emigres to London with the express purpose of overthrowing the Barre regime. They eventually moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and gained the support of the Ethiopian government.
On January 2, 1982 operating near Berbera
Berbera
Berbera is a city and seat of Berbera District in Somaliland, a self-proclaimed Independent Republic with de facto control over its own territory, which is recognized by the international community and the Somali Government as a part of Somalia...
, the group attacked Mandera Prison to free political prisoners while simultaneously raiding Cadaadle armory.
Between 1985 and 1987, the SNM conducted many attacks on government facilities and troops based out of camps in Ethiopia.
By 1988, the SNM moved out of their camps in Ethiopia and began operating in northern Somalia, the area now known as Somaliland
Somaliland
Somaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of...
. They even temporarily occupied the provincial capitals of Burao and Hargeysa.
They captured government Toyota Land Cruisers turned them into technicals
Technical (fighting vehicle)
A technical is a type of improvised fighting vehicle, typically a civilian or military non-combat vehicle, modified to provide an offensive capability similar to a military gun truck...
by mounting 12.7 mm and 14.5 mm machineguns, 106 mm recoilless rifle
Recoilless rifle
A recoilless rifle or recoilless gun is a lightweight weapon that fires a heavier projectile than would be practical to fire from a recoiling weapon of comparable size. Technically, only devices that use a rifled barrel are recoilless rifles. Smoothbore variants are recoilless guns...
s, and BM-21
BM-21
The BM-21 launch vehicle , a Soviet truck-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launcher, and a M-21OF rocket were developed in the early 1960s. BM stands for boyevaya mashina, ‘combat vehicle’, and the nickname means ‘hail’. The complete system with the BM-21 launch vehicle and the M-21OF rocket...
rocket launchers. They also operated various antiaircraft guns, such as the ZU-23-2
ZU-23-2
The ZU-23-2, also known as ZU-23, is a Soviet towed 23 mm anti-aircraft twin-barreled autocannon. ZU stands for Zenitnaya Ustanovka - anti-aircraft mount.-Development history:...
.
By 1991, they had taken control of Hargeysa, Berbera
Berbera
Berbera is a city and seat of Berbera District in Somaliland, a self-proclaimed Independent Republic with de facto control over its own territory, which is recognized by the international community and the Somali Government as a part of Somalia...
, Burao, and Erigavo. On May 18, 1991, they declared the Republic of Somaliland.
Somali Patriot Movement (SPM)
- Leaders: Colonel Bashir Bililiqo, Colonel Ahmed Omar Jess, General Aden Abdullahi Nur ('Gabyow'), General Mohammed Said Hersi "Morgan"
- Area of Operations: southern Somalia
- Tribal Affiliation: Ogaden (SPM 'Ogadeni') and non-Ogaden (known as SPM 'Harti')
- Founded: 1989
Begun by a group of disaffected Ogadeni officers.
A key accomplishment was the seizure of Balli-Dogle air base in the days prior to Barre's flight from Mogadishu.
United Somali CongressUnited Somali CongressThe United Somali Congress is one of the major political and paramilitary organizations of Somalia. Formed in 1988, it played a key role in the ouster of the government of Siad Barre, and became a major target of the so-called Operation Restore Hope campaign in 1993...
(USC)
- Leaders: Dr. Omar M. Hassan, Hussein Ahmed Mohamed, Abdi Hilowle Hassan, Hassan Mohamud Moheddin, Hassan Omar Mohamed (Founders, 1989); Dr. Ismael Jimaale (Mogadishu section founder, 1989); General Mohamed Farrah AididMohamed Farrah AididGeneral Mohamed Ali Farrah Aidid was a controversial Somali military leader, often described as a warlord. A former general and diplomat, he was the chairman of the United Somali Congress and later led the Somali National Alliance...
(Habar Gidir clan), Ali Mahdi Mohamed (Abgaal clan), Mohamed Qanyare Afrah (November 1991) - Area of Operations: central Somalia
- Tribal Affiliation: Hawiye (Murasade and Abgal clans)
- Founded: February 1, 1989 in RomeRomeRome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
On January 26, 1991, the USC stormed the Presidential palace in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
, taking control of the capital and forcing Siad Barre into exile.
In November 1991, factionalism between Gen. Aidid and Ali Mahdi Mahammad caused a split in the USC. Mohamed Qanyare Afrah was chosen to be the Chairman of the smaller, breakaway "USC Madhi" faction. This leadership position was not recognized by Gen. Aidid.
Somali Democratic Movement (SDM)
- Leaders: Abdulkadir Mohamed Adan ("Zobo" -- "Lame in One Leg") (founder); Colonel Mohamed Nur Alio (Pro-Aidid faction); Abdi Muse Mayo (Pro-Mahdi faction)
- Area of Operations: Baidoa
- Tribal Affiliation: Rahanwayn
- Founded: 1989 in Dubai and Rome
Al-Itihaad al-IslamiyaAl-Itihaad al-IslamiyaAl-Itihaad al-Islamiya or AIAI is a defunct Islamist militant group in Somalia that was added to the U.S. list of terrorist organizations on September 24, 2001...
(AIAI)
- Leaders: Hassan Dahir Aweys, Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-TurkiHassan Abdullah Hersi al-TurkiSheikh Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki , also known as Hassan Al-Turki, or "Al-Turki"–"The Turk", is a Somali Islamist and military leader in the Islamic Courts Union and previously Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya.-Biography:...
- Area of Operations: Southwest (Ras KamboniRas KamboniRas Kamboni is a town in the Badhaadhe district of Lower Juba region, Somalia, which lies on a peninsula near the border with Kenya. American officials have said that it has served as a training camp for extremists with connections to Al-Qaeda; al-Sharq al-Awsat reported in May 1999 that al-Qaeda...
, LuuqLuuqLuuq or Lugh is a city in the southern Gedo province of Somalia. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, and is the seat of the Luuq District, one of the region's seven districts. The town is located in a bend of the Juba River, where the river flows down from north to south in a horseshoe...
) - Religious Affiliations:Sunni Islam
- Founded: Late 1980s.
United Somali Root (USR)
- Founded 1991, represent somali indigenous groups, nonviolence organization
- Leaders: Mohammed Husen, Ex-parliamentary TFG, died 2010 in Mogadisho,
- and General Mohammed Mohammud Hayd Ex-cabinet of President Dr.Abdiqasiman,and parliamentary
- an advocate of Somali indigenous clans.
- Tribal Affiliation: Gabooye indigenous somali clans.
Republic of Somaliland
| Leaders | Area of Operations | Tribal Affiliation | Dates | Flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–1993: Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur For the Somali politician executed for apostasy in 2009, see Abdirahman AhmedAbdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur was a Somali politician... 1993–2002: Ibrahim Egal Ibrahim Egal Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal was a Somali politician. He was president of the self-proclaimed but internationally unrecognized Republic of Somaliland in northern Somalia... 2002-2010: Dahir Riyale Kahin Dahir Riyale Kahin Dahir Rayale Kahin was the third President of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that is internationally recognized as a part of Somalia. He became the third president of Somaliland on May 3, 2002, after the death of Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal... 2010-current: Ahmed M. Mahamoud Silanyo Ahmed M. Mahamoud Silanyo Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo is a Somali politician. He is the current President of Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic internationally recognized as an autonomous region in Somalia... |
Somaliland Somaliland Somaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of... |
Isaaq Isaaq The Isaaq is one of the main Somali clans. Members of the clan principally live in the northwestern Somaliland region of Somalia, and the Somali Region of Ethiopia. The populations of five major cities of Somaliland – Hargeisa, Burco, Berbera, Ceerigaabo and Gabiley – are predominantly Isaaq... Gabooye (Muse Dhariye, Madhiban, Tumal and Yibir), Dir(Gadabursi, Issa Issa Issa or ISSA may refer to:Issa*Abdisalam Issa-Salwe, Somali scholar*Darrell Issa, a Californian Representative*List of The Belgariad and The Malloreon characters#Issa, a divine character in David Eddings's fantasy series The Belgariad and The Malloreon*Issa or Isa, the Arabic name for Jesus in... ) |
18 May 1991–Present |  |
The Isaaq
Isaaq
The Isaaq is one of the main Somali clans. Members of the clan principally live in the northwestern Somaliland region of Somalia, and the Somali Region of Ethiopia. The populations of five major cities of Somaliland – Hargeisa, Burco, Berbera, Ceerigaabo and Gabiley – are predominantly Isaaq...
-dominated northern Somaliland region of Somalia declared its independence in 1991, but has not been recognized by any country or international organization as a sovereign nation.
Somali National AllianceSomali National AllianceThe Somali National Alliance was a political alliance formed in June, 1992 with Mohamed Farrah Aidid as its head. Its constituents included Aidid's breakaway United Somali Congress faction, the Somali Patriotic Movement and other southern factions. They were one faction in the Somali Civil War...
(SNA)
- Leaders: 1992-1996: Mohamed Farrah AididMohamed Farrah AididGeneral Mohamed Ali Farrah Aidid was a controversial Somali military leader, often described as a warlord. A former general and diplomat, he was the chairman of the United Somali Congress and later led the Somali National Alliance...
, Mohamed Nur Aliyou; 1996-2001: Hussein Mohamed Farah Aidid - Area of Operations:Mogadishu
- Tribal affiliation:Habar Gidir
- Founded: June 1992 - 2004
Its constituents included Mohamed Aidid's breakaway United Somali Congress
United Somali Congress
The United Somali Congress is one of the major political and paramilitary organizations of Somalia. Formed in 1988, it played a key role in the ouster of the government of Siad Barre, and became a major target of the so-called Operation Restore Hope campaign in 1993...
faction, the Somali Patriotic Movement
Somali Patriotic Movement
The Somali Patriotic Movement is a political party and paramilitary organization in Somalia, and a key faction in the Somali Civil War. Commanded by Aden Abdullahi Nur Gabyow, it was based in the southwestern area of the country, and had considerable influence in the leaderless country...
, Southern Somali National Movement, and other southern factions. His son, Hussein Aidid, assumed leadership upon his death. The SNA became the core of the SRRC in 2001.
Somali National FrontSomali National FrontThe Somali National Front was a political revolutionary movement and armed militia in Somalia.-History:Initially made up of loyalists to former President of Somalia Siad Barre and the remnants of the Somali National Army forces after his ouster from office, the SNF's intent and goal was to...
(SNF)
- Leaders: General Siad BarreSiad BarreMohamed Siad Barre was the military dictator and President of the Somali Democratic Republic from 1969 to 1991. During his rule, he styled himself as Jaalle Siyaad ....
, General, Mohammed Said Samatar ('Gacaliye'), General Omar Hagi Masallah,Dr. Ali Nur Mukhtar, Ahmed Sheikh Ali " Buraale ". Col. Abdirizak Isak Bihi, Mohamud Sayid. - Area of Operations: Gedo, Middle and Upper Jubba regions; occasional forays to outskirts of Mogadishu
- Tribal Affiliation: MarehanMarehanThe Marehan are a Somali clan. They are one of the major Darod sub-clans, forming a part of the Sade confederation of clans. The majority of the Marehan live in the Jubbada Hoose, Gedo and Jubbada Dhexe regions in southwestern Somalia, as well as the Galguduud and Mudug regions in central...
(Mareehaan) - Founded: March 1991
Loyalists to Siad Barre, the remnants of his army forces founded the SNF militia after his ouster from office.
Their intent and goal was to recapture Mogadishu and reinstate the regime of Siad Barre, and to etablish regional state in Gedo, Middle and Lower Jubba.
Somali Democratic Alliance (SDA)
- Leaders: Mohamed Farah Abdullahi, Mohamed Rashiid Sheekh and Jamac Rabile(SDA)
- Area of Operations: Borama, Somalia
- Tribal Affiliation: Gadabursi
- Founded: 1991
Pro-Barre faction. Fought against other liberation movements during Barre's reign. Reconciled in 1991 with the SNM to form the Republic of Somaliland
Somaliland
Somaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of...
. Thereafter, sought the independence of Somaliland from the rest of Somalia.
United Somali Front (USF)
- Leaders: Abdurahman Dualeh Al;
- Area of Operations: northwestern SomalilandSomalilandSomaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of...
- Tribal Affiliation: IssaIssaIssa or ISSA may refer to:Issa*Abdisalam Issa-Salwe, Somali scholar*Darrell Issa, a Californian Representative*List of The Belgariad and The Malloreon characters#Issa, a divine character in David Eddings's fantasy series The Belgariad and The Malloreon*Issa or Isa, the Arabic name for Jesus in...
- Founded: prior to 1991 as a small liberation movement. "New" USF founded Summer 1991
The original USF joined with the SNM in the creation of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Issa clan is a Somali clan that spreads across northwest Somaliland and the nation of Djibouti. The "new" USF especially sought to represent the interests of the Djibouti-based Iise.
Somali Africans Muke Organization (SAMO)
(also called Somali Asal Muki Organization)- Leaders: Mohamed Ramadan Arbow
- Area of Operations: ???
- Tribal Affiliation: BantuSomali BantuThe Somali Bantu are a minority ethnic group in Somalia. They primarily reside in southern Somalia, near the Juba and Shabelle rivers, and are the descendants of people from various Bantu ethnic groups originating from what are modern-day Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique who were sold into Somalia...
- Founded: 1993
One of the few non-Somali entities.
Somali National Democratic Union (SNDU)
- Leaders: [Ali Ismael Abdi] and [A/lahi Azari]
- Area of Operations: Galgadud, MudugMudugMudug is an administrative region in north-central Somalia. Bordered by the Ogaden, the Somalian regions of Nugaal and Galguduud, and the Indian Ocean, its capital is the city of Galkacyo.-Districts:...
, BurtinleBurtinleBurtinle is a small town in the Nugaal province of the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia.-Overview:Burtinle is situated in the Burtinle District of the Nugaal region. It lies between Galkacyo and Garoowe, close to the border with Ethiopia....
-NugaalNugaalNugal is an administrative region in northeastern Somalia.-Overview:It is bordered by Ethiopia and the Somalian regions of Sool to the west, Bari to the north, and Mudug to the south, with the Indian Ocean to the east.... - Tribal Affiliation: Lelkase and Aurtoble clans
- Founded: 1991
- Museum : Museum is available at Mudug
Somali National Union (SNU)
- Leaders: Dr. Mohamed Ragis Mohamed
- Area of Operations:
- Tribal Affiliation: Reer Hamar; an Arabic, not ethnic Somali clan
- Founded: 1960s
A political party that was active in the 1960s but was forced into dissolution during the Barre regime. It revived after his downfall.
United Somali Party [USP]
- Leaders: Mohamed Abdi HashiMohamed Abdi HashiMohamed Abdi Hashi is a Somali politician. He was the interim President of Puntland from October 2004 to January 8, 2005.-References:...
- Area of Operations: Erigavo and Las Anod, SomalilandSomalilandSomaliland is an unrecognised self-declared sovereign state that is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the British Somaliland protectorate, which was independent for a few days in 1960 as the State of...
- Tribal Affiliation: DhulbahanteDhulbahanteThe Dhulbahante is a Somali clan, and a part of the larger Harti Darod clan. Members of the clan primarily inhabit the Sool, Nugaal, Sanaag and Ayn regions, the Haud, the port city of Kismayo, as well as other areas in the Jubbada Hoose region of southern Somalia.-Tradition:Currently, there are...
, Warsangeli - Founded: 1957 - 1969 (original group); 1991
The "new" USP had no affiliation to the original group founded in the 1950s. The new group that bore their name were generally pro-Siad, but key participants in the Reconciliation Conference of the Elders of the Republic of Somaliland at Borama in early 1993.
Factions Present at the 1993 Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia
The 1993 Informal Preparatory Meeting on National ReconciliationInformal Preparatory Meeting on National Reconciliation
A United Nations Economic Commission for Africa-sponsored meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 4–8, 1993. Its purpose was to attempt to settle differences between the warring factions of the Somali Civil War...
and the Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia
Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia
The Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia was an attempt to end the Somali Civil War. It led to the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement , on March 27, 1993. Fifteen different warring factions agreed to the principles of reconciliation and disarmament, but the agreement was shoaled by...
saw the presence of no less than 15 separate factions, including the offshoot SNA branches of USC and SPM. It was a plethora of acronyms: SAMO, SDA, SDM, SNA, SNDU, SNF, SNU, SPM, SPM-(SNA), SSDF, SSNM-(SNA), USC-(SNA), USC, USF, USP. Aidid's four SNA-aligned factions comprised a powerful bloc.
The progressive tone of the proceedings was undercut by the actual lack of progress in the regions and on the streets of Mogadishu. In time, new factions emerged as the Somali Civil War entered a new phase: disintegration into independent and autonomous states.
Factions Created after the Departure of the UN Missions (1995–Present)
| Faction | Area of Operations | Tribal Affiliation | Dates | Flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puntland Puntland Puntland , officially the Puntland State of Somalia , is a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998.... |
Darood Darood Darood can mean:*Darod, a Somali clan*Durood, a phrase complimenting Muhammad*Darood, a Sufi concentration... |
1998 - Present | ||
| Jubaland Jubaland Jubaland , also known as Azania or the Juba Valley and formerly as Trans-Juba , is an autonomous region in southern Somalia. Its eastern border lies 40–60 km east of the Jubba River, stretching from Gedo to the Indian Ocean, while its western side flanks the North Eastern Province in... under Juba Valley Alliance Juba Valley Alliance The Juba Valley Alliance is a political faction of the Somali Civil War. It was the primary opponent of the Somali Patriotic Movement and the Somali Reconciliation and Restoration Council vying for the control of Kismayo and the Juba River valley, the area known as Jubaland.Following the... (JVA) |
Marehan Marehan The Marehan are a Somali clan. They are one of the major Darod sub-clans, forming a part of the Sade confederation of clans. The majority of the Marehan live in the Jubbada Hoose, Gedo and Jubbada Dhexe regions in southwestern Somalia, as well as the Galguduud and Mudug regions in central... and Habar Gidir Habar Gidir The Habar Gidir are a Somali clan, part of the larger Hawiye group.The clan has produced some prominent Somali figures, such as Abdullahi Issa, the chairman of the Somali Youth League and first Prime Minister of Somalia prior to independence, Dr... |
2001–2006 | ||
| Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council The Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council was a political movement, as well as an armed militia, founded by Hussein Mohamed Farrah Aidid, son of the late warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid... (SRRC) |
Mogadishu & Southern Somalia | Hawiye Hawiye The Hawiye is a Somali clan. Members of the clan primarily live in central and southern Somalia, in the Ogaden and the North Eastern Province , and in smaller numbers in other countries. Like many Somalis, Hawiye members trace their ancestry to Irir Samaale... |
2001–2004 |  |
| Southwestern Somalia Southwestern Somalia Southwestern Somalia was an ostensibly autonomous self-proclaimed state in Somalia founded by Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud, leader of the Rahanweyn Resistance Army on April 1, 2002... |
 |
Rahanweyn Rahanweyn The Rahanweyn is a Somali clan, composed of two major sub-clans, the Digil and the Mirifle. It makes up about 17% of the population of Somalia, and is one of the five major Somali clans residing in the Horn of Africa.-Overview:The Digil sub-clan mainly consists of farmers and coastal people, while... |
2002–2006 |  |
| Transitional Federal Government Transitional Federal Government The Transitional Federal Government is the current internationally recognized government of the Republic of Somalia. It was established as one of the Transitional Federal Institutions of government as defined in the Transitional Federal Charter adopted in November 2004 by the Transitional... (TFG) |
2004–present | |
||
| Islamic Courts Union (ICU) | Predominately Hawiye Hawiye The Hawiye is a Somali clan. Members of the clan primarily live in central and southern Somalia, in the Ogaden and the North Eastern Province , and in smaller numbers in other countries. Like many Somalis, Hawiye members trace their ancestry to Irir Samaale... |
2006–2007 (replaced by Al-Shabaab | ||
| Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism The Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism was a Somali alliance created by various warlords and businesspeople. The alliance included Botan Ise Alin, Mohammed Dheere, Mohamed Qanyare, Musa Sudi Yalahow, Nuur Daqle, Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid, Omar Muhamoud Finnish and others... (ARPCT) |
Hawiye Hawiye The Hawiye is a Somali clan. Members of the clan primarily live in central and southern Somalia, in the Ogaden and the North Eastern Province , and in smaller numbers in other countries. Like many Somalis, Hawiye members trace their ancestry to Irir Samaale... |
2006 | ||
| Galmudug Galmudug Galmudug is an autonomous region in central Somalia. It is bordered to its north by the Puntland region, to the west by Ethiopia, and to the south by other regions of Somalia.Galmudug's name is derived from a conflation of the Galguduud and Mudug provinces... |
 |
Habar Gidir Habar Gidir The Habar Gidir are a Somali clan, part of the larger Hawiye group.The clan has produced some prominent Somali figures, such as Abdullahi Issa, the chairman of the Somali Youth League and first Prime Minister of Somalia prior to independence, Dr... ( Sacad) |
2006–present | |
| Popular Resistance Movement in the Land of the Two Migrations Al-Shabaab (Somalia) Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen , more commonly known as al-Shabaab , is a terrorist group of militants fighting to overthrow the government of Somalia. As of 2011, the group controls large swathes of the southern parts of Somalia, where it is said to have imposed its own strict form of Sharia law... |
Mogadishu & Southern Somalia | Multi-clan | 2007–present |  |
| Maakhir Maakhir Maakhir , officially the Maakhir State of Somalia was an autonomous region in northern Somalia in an area disputed by the Somaliland and Puntland macro-regions. In January 2009, it was incorporated into Puntland.-Autonomy:... |
 |
Warsangeli | 2007-2008 (rejoined Puntland Puntland Puntland , officially the Puntland State of Somalia , is a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998.... in January 2009) |
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See also
- List of political parties in Somalia
- Northern Somali Unionist Movement (NSUM)Northern Somali Unionist Movement (NSUM)-Overview:The Northern Somali Unionist Movement is a Somali organization that was formed in 1991, by Mr Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud and whose members and supporters hail from Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions in the Northern regions of Somalia...
- List of warlords in the Somali Civil War