Wars Over Resources?: Evidence from Somalia

[NASSIR]

Webersik, Christian1

 

 

"This article discusses the possible link between resource scarcity in Somalia and armed conflict. According to the author, there is little evidence that prolonged civil conflicts in Africa are caused by environmental scarcity. He argues that in Somalia, elite clans compete for power over agricultural production, port facilities, and urban real estate. He sees the ethnic rivalries as the result of the unjust distribution of benefits and the exclusion from political decision making. He concludes that some warlords have prospered from continued instability with benefits from foreign aid and arms trading making for an uncertain future for the country.'

 

War over resources, evidence from Somalia

 

SOURCE: Environment; May2008

[Baashi]

Informative, instructive piece! I printed it yesterday and read it last night. What a comprehensive and in depth analysis this piece turned out to be.

 

Many thanks for posting it.

[NASSIR]

Extremely informative! What surprised me is how the cycle of environmental stress and degradation, its impact on resource scarcity, the control of strategic points necessary for the exploitation of banana plantations in Lower Shabele and cereal in Bay, shifting alliances, grievances of the clans deprived of this lucrative business, and other factors, perpetuate violence or sustain it in some form.

 

The author also examines NGO's role in shaping Somali conflict since they put aside half of their budget for security and how large sums of aid money are divered to acquiring ammunition and weapons for their security.

[Lois Lane]

Caamir,

 

Walaal, thank you for this higly informative article. I also find the NGO funds being diverted towards arms and security bit quite interesting.

 

Keep 'em coming