CIVIC: Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict

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Read our new report: Civilian Harm in Somalia: Creating an Appropriate Response

Latest news: Somalia

Field blog: Somalia

The Conflict

Described as an "undisputed failed state" Somalia has endured nineteen years of near continuous conflict, leaving parts of the country in ruin. Somali leader Siad Barre was ousted in 1991, resulting in a collapse of the central government and creating a "vacuum rapidly filled by rival political faction leaders-turned-warlords."  A UN-brokered peace deal, elections, and peacekeeping troops have failed to bring stability and the civilian population -- particularly in the capital of Mogadishu -- continues to suffer.

In late 2006, Ethiopian troops with US backing invaded Somalia to restore the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Hardline militant Islamist groups fighting the TFG include Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam. With the TFG unable to establish control throughout Somalia, the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) peace support operation was deployed to protect and support the government in early 2007. At the start of 2009, Ethiopian troops withdrew from Somalia while Al-Shabaab and Hizbul militias joined forces with other opposition groups. By May 2009, insurgents had seized most of Mogadishu with violent clashes occurring regularly in densely populated areas. Indiscriminate fighting between the TFG and Islamic fundamentalist insurgents continues, causing civilian casualties and displacement. AMISOM has also caused civilian casualties as it retaliates against insurgent attacks. 

On August 23, 2010, al-Shabaab declared a "massive, final" war against the TFG. On December 2010 the UN Security Council expressed serious concern over the continued fighting and extended AMISOM's authorization through September 30, 2011 including an authorized troop increase from 8,000 to 12,000. This will mark the fifth year for AMISOM's mandate in Somalia.

After Afghanistan and Iraq, the armed conflict in Somalia creates the largest number of refugees worldwide.

CIVIC on Somalia

CIVIC has consistently called on all parties to the conflict to avoid civilians, including the TFG, AMISOM and rebel groups. For several years, CIVIC has documented traditional and existing mechanisms of compensation, and called upon those warring parties purporting to abide by international laws of civilian protection (namely the African Union) to offer amends to civilians unintentionally harmed by its operations. In 2009, CIVIC partnered with 10 other leading African and international NGOs to outline steps for African Union member states to help internally displaced persons’ security and welfare.

CIVIC's current advocacy is primarily focused on AMISOM, the African Union's peace operations force and the two major troop contributing nations Uganda and Burundi. In February 2011, CIVIC staff traveled to Mogadishu at the request of the African Union. The team advised AMISOM on how the force could better protect and avoid civilians and the potential for making amends for harm. This work is ongoing.

Press Release: CIVIC Statement on Somalia Casualty Investigation, November 1, 2011
Press Release: Mandate Extension Must Prioritize Civilian Protection, December 23, 2010
Press Release: AMISOM Must Investigate Civilian Deaths, Provide Amends, October 5, 2010
Press Release: US Must Investigate Claims of Civilian Casualties, March 5, 2008

Casualty and Displacement Statistics

- Jan. 2007-Jan. 2010: more than 21,000 casualties (Reuters)
- May-November 2009: 200,000 people fled Mogadishu (United Nations)
- By Nov. 2009: 3.9 million displaced total (UN)
- May 2010: 270,000 newly displaced in 2010 (UNHCR)
- February 2011: 1.46 million total displaced in Somalia (ReliefWeb)

Publications

Human Rights Watch, Harsh War, Harsh Peace, April 19, 2010

Human Rights Watch's recent report issues an important call for amends to Somali civilians, a view shared by CIVIC:

"Consider implementing a system of meaningful payments for civilian loss of life,injury, and property damage. This system should not be limited to compensation for violations of the laws of war but should also include condolence or ex-gratia payments for losses stemming from AMISOM troop activities in which there is no assumption of liability. The system should not be considered a substitute for training and other measures to ensure that AMISOM military personnel comply with international humanitarian law."

To hear what civilians are saying in Somalia, visit A Voice for Survivors: In Harm's Way  Mogadishu Fighting   As a Family Slept

For policy and program inquiries:
Sarah Holewinski
202 558 6958 
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For press inquiries:
Liz Lucas
+1 202 558 6958
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