Overview
Concern began working in Somalia in 1986, providing access to clean water, agricultural improvements, teacher training and restoration of health services and infrastructure.
Somalia was formed in 1960, after gaining independence from Britain and Italy. Within a decade, a coup brought authoritarian socialist rule to the country, along with some stability. In 1991, the regime was overthrown and Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy.
After 14 years of civil war, the various Somali clans agreed to a transitional parliament with elections in 2005. Subsequent violence in the capital of Mogadishu forced the new government to operate in Kenya until things settled down. In December 2006, war broke out again between Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government, supported by Ethiopian forces, and the Union of Islamic Courts. Recent conflict focused on control of Mogadishu.
Somalia today
Somalia does not have a national government. Physical and social infrastructure – roads, bridges, water, law and order, education and health services – are virtually non-existent. Poverty, ill health, natural disasters, and violence have severely reduced living standards in the country. An estimated 12% of people do not have enough food to feed themselves. Less than 20% of children attend school. In February 2007, violent clashes in Mogadishu displaced some 340,000 people, and left 1,300 dead. Many people were left stranded with little shelter, food or water. Read more...
