The Causes of Ethio-Somali War of 2006

Abstract

Somalia and Ethiopia were engaged in three mutually destructive conflicts within five decades. It can be said that, in December 2006, a combination of reasons led Ethiopia and Somalia to war including internal considerations in both states such as territorial aspirations, resolution of internal problems, the threat of Islamic fundamentalism, the intervention of external forces and the interests and policies of other states such as Eritrea. Because of these causes, Ethiopia undertook a military campaign against the Union of Islamic Courts which, in part misguided by their victory over the warlords and by their relative acceptance among the Somalis, miscalculated by engaging the very much bigger and battle-ready Ethiopian forces. Furthermore, the US played a part in the outbreak of the war because its policy of countering Al-Qaeda elements which were said to have links with the UIC. In broad terms, the study is aimed at analyzing the factors that led the two neighboring states, Ethiopia and Somalia, to war in 2006. More specifically, it will give a sound assessment of the actors involved, their interest and motivation.