Somalia: A Failed State Governed by a Failing Government?

Very few observers would argue against the notion that the crisis in Somalia is far from resolved. In fact recent developments point to a worrying trend that Somalia is entering yet another phase characterized by severe instability, the risk of yet another civil war and the potential of further loss of life. Violence continues, and throughout 2006 nearly 350 people have died. Somalia remains a country that effectively continues to exist without a government. Despite the various attempts at preventing a return to a full-scale war, the country remains a failed state, failing to come to grips with much-needed reconstruction efforts. To add to the plethora of woes, Somalia's much vaunted transitional government is failing in carrying out its most crucial mandate - to lead Somalia to peace.