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.