Oral Presentation on the Ethiopia-Somalia Conflict PDF

Oral Presentation on the Ethiopia-Somalia Con ict Part 1: Geography The Ethiopia-Somalia con ict is deeply rooted in geographical and territorial disputes, particularly over the Ogaden region. The Ogaden is a vast desert are...

Oral Presentation on the Ethiopia-Somalia Con ict Part 1: Geography The Ethiopia-Somalia con ict is deeply rooted in geographical and territorial disputes, particularly over the Ogaden region. The Ogaden is a vast desert area in eastern Ethiopia, predominantly inhabited by ethnic Somalis. Somalia has long claimed the Ogaden as part of its national territory based on ethnic grounds, symbolized by the ve-star ag representing ve Somali-inhabited regions. This territorial claim has been the core issue fueling the con ict. The geography of the region, with its harsh desert environment and strategic location, has made it a signi cant focal point for both Ethiopian and Somali interests. Ethiopia's historical control over the Ogaden, supported by treaties such as the 1897 agreement with the UK, has been a point of contention, leading to multiple military confrontations and sustained hostilities. Part 2: History The Ethiopia-Somalia con ict o cially began in 1960, following Somalia's independence and the formation of the United Republic of Somalia. Somalia's irredentist ambitions were clearly articulated through its national symbols and political rhetoric, aiming to unify all Somali-inhabited territories, including the Ogaden. The con ict saw several phases: - Phase I (1960-1969): Marked by Somalia's initial post-independence irredentist claims and formation of state-supported groups like the Western Somali Liberation Front (WSLF). - Phase II (1969-1991): Began with a coup in Somalia bringing Siad Barré to power, leading to a formal declaration of war against Ethiopia in 1977 and the subsequent Ogaden War. Somalia's defeat and the shifting alliances with superpowers (from the USSR to the USA) were signi cant developments. - Phase III (1991-2004): Characterized by Somalia's state collapse and internal civil strife, making the con ict with Ethiopia dormant. - Phase IV (2004-2015): Despite ongoing internal issues, attempts were made to restore Somali unity, but the con ict with Ethiopia remained inactive due to Somalia's weakened state. Part 3: Politics The political landscape of the Ethiopia-Somalia con ict is shaped by authoritarian regimes and shifting alliances. In Somalia, leaders like Siad Barré maintained power through clan alliances and leveraged external support, initially from the USSR and later the USA. Ethiopia's political scene saw leaders like Haile Selassie and Mengistu Haile Mariam defending the status quo, often with signi cant Soviet support during Mengistu's rule. Both nations employed strategic alliances and military aid from superpowers to bolster their positions. The 1988 peace treaty marked a signi cant political development, where Somalia agreed to respect existing borders and cooperate with Ethiopia against insurgent groups, though this decision contributed to internal instability in Somalia. Part 4: Facts 1. Duration: The con ict spanned several decades, with active military confrontations mainly from the 1960s to the 1980s, followed by a dormant phase due to Somalia's internal collapse. 2. Key Figures: Prominent leaders included Siad Barré of Somalia and Mengistu Haile Mariam of Ethiopia. 3. Interventions: Both the USSR and USA played roles in supporting the respective sides at di erent times, signi cantly in uencing the con ict's dynamics. 4. Key Events: Major events included the Ogaden War (1977-1978), Ethiopia's military victories, and the 1988 peace treaty. 5. Resolution Attempts: Despite various peace treaties and agreements, the con ict remained unresolved, primarily due to Somalia's internal instability post-1991. ff fi fi fl fl fi fl fl fl fl ffi fl fi fl fl fl fl fl fi fl fi fi 6. Impact: The con ict led to signi cant military engagements, political shifts, and prolonged instability in the Horn of Africa. Conclusion: The Ethiopia-Somalia con ict began with Somalia's irredentist ambitions and territorial claims over the Ogaden, continued through decades of military confrontations and shifting alliances, and ultimately became dormant due to Somalia's internal collapse. The con ict highlights the complexities of territorial disputes, the impact of external interventions, and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in a region marked by historical grievances and political instability. fl fl fi fl