The Problem of Building a Unified National Army in a Regionally Divided Society

Abstract

This study deals with one of the most important issues for the rebuilding of the Somali state after the collapse of the regime in the 1990s, and the ensuing disintegration and breakdown of the state’s institutions: the building of a unified national army. As a power the army represents all the regions and serves to restore confidence within a regionally divided society. It may also facilitate the building of other state institutions. The study adopts a descriptive - historical method and uses interviews with key figures. It identifies political, sociological, technical, and material difficulties hindering the formation of the army, and makes recommendations to overcome it.