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Somalia GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Government Structure: Country nominally under interim
provisional government established by Executive Committee of
United Somali Congress (USC) and headed by provisional president
Ali Mahdi Mahammad after fall of Mahammad Siad Barre. As of
September 1991, country effectively under control of as many as
twelve rival clans and subclans. Central government authority at
Mogadishu challenged by Somali National Movement (SNM), which in
June 1991 declared independent Republic of Somaliland in former
territory of British Somaliland. Constitution of 1979 nominally
in force pending new constitution proposed by provisional
government. Constitutionally mandated national legislature known
as People's Assembly inactive since January 1991.
Administrative Divisions: Prior to fall of Siad Barre
regime in January 1991, sixteen administrative regions, each
containing three to six districts, with exception of capital
region which was subdivided into fifteen districts, for total of
eighty-four districts. Local government authority vested in
regional and district councils whose members were elected, but
whose candidature approved by district-level government. High
level of military participation in regional and district
councils. Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
exercised authority over structure of local government. From 1991
onward, no effective government organization existed.
Politics: During 1980s authoritarian regime of
President Mahammad Siad Barre abandoned policy of scientific
socialism on Marxist-Leninist lines and implemented marketoriented structural reforms of economy, while consolidating
personal political authority. Broad-based national opposition met
escalating government repression and provoked armed revolt in
1988 led by USC and SNM. Civil war caused eventual defeat of
government forces and exile of Siad Barre in January 1991. USC
faction led by General Mahammad Faarah Aidid contested authority
of USC Executive Committee to form interim government and
established rival government in southern Mogadishu, compelling
Mahammad's government to retreat to northern Mogadishu. As of
January 1993, country effectively fragmented under control of as
many as twelve contending clan-families and clans.
Judicial System: Four-tier court system--Supreme Court,
courts of appeal, regional courts, and district courts--based on
Western models. Separate National Security Courts operating
outside ordinary legal system and under direct control of
executive given broad jurisdiction over offenses defined by
government as affecting state security, until abolished in
October 1990. Unified penal and civil law codes introduced in
late 1960s and early 1970s, but some features of Islamic law
considered in civil matters.
Foreign Relations: Foreign relations characterized by
tension with neighboring states and economic dependence on aid
from Arab and Western nations. Relations with neighboring states
gradually improved as irredentist claims dating from Ogaden War
period (1977-78) formally abandoned during 1980s; relations with
Ethiopia remained strained despite 1988 peace agreement resulting
from mutual harboring of foreign guerilla forces and uncontrolled
mass migration. Relations with Western nations and United States
broadened after 1977 rift with Soviet Union; United States
military and economic aid provided throughout 1980s but suspended
in 1989 because of human rights violations by Siad Barre
government. Recipient of financial support from conservative Arab
oil states.
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