International Relations of Somalia
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.
Ethiopian relations with Somalia are fragile. Ethiopia has a large Somali population
and still harbour memories of Somalia's occupation of the Ogaden in 1977/78. Ethiopia
has played an active part in the IGAD led peace process in Somalia but several Somali
factions view Ethiopia's engagement with deep suspicion.
Ethiopia's relations with the Somalis were greatly complicated when the former deployed
troops to defeat the ICU.
Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu
in January 2007; "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera to
landlocked Ethiopia and have established commercial ties with other regional states.
Kenya, also with a significant Somali population and host to the reconciliation
process, is looked upon by Somalis with much less suspicion, despite occasional
border incursions by warring Somali clans.
International Organisations
Although there has been no effective government since 1991, the TFG and its predecessor,
the Transitional National Government (TNG) have represented Somalia in the UN, the
League of Arab States and the African Union.
Other International Organizations are- ACP, AFDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,
IOM (observer), IPU, ITSO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO.