CIVIC: Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict

Latest news: Somalia

The Conflict

Described as an "undisputed failed state" Somalia has endured nineteen years of near continuous inter-clan warfare, leaving the country in ruin. Somali leader Siad Barre was ousted in 1991, resulting in a collapse of the central government. A UN-brokered peace deal, elections, and peacekeeping troops have failed to bring stability and the civilian population continues to suffer. The violence combined with drought and inflation have created an alarming humanitarian crisis with an estimated 3.2 million Somalis in need of urgent assistance as of the end of 2009.

In late 2006, Ethiopian troops with U.S. 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) peacekeeping force was deployed to support the government and deliver humanitarian aid 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 caused civilian casualties as it retaliates against insurgent attacks. In early 2010, an estimated 21,000 Somalis had been killed in the conflict since the beginning of 2007. At the end of 2009, one out of every 7 people in Somalia were displaced.

CIVIC's Work

CIVIC has called on all parties to the conflict to avoid and protect civilians. In its advocacy pressing warring parties in Somalia to make amends to civilians harmed, CIVIC has documented traditional and existing mechanisms of compensation. 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.

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 displaced (UNHCR)
- May 2010: 1.2 million IDPs (UNHCR)

Publications

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

Human Rights Watch's recent report reflects CIVIC's view of amends for Somali civilians:

"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: As a Family Slept

For policy and program inquiries:
Sarah Holewinski
202 558 6958 x 501
sarah@civicworldwide.org

For press inquiries:
Marla Keenan
202 558 6958 x 502
marlab@civicworldwide.org