Status Quo Ante

Abstract

IR: Written in 1994, this article explains why, after fifteen months of peace-keeping intervention (Operation Restore Hope), the Somali people were happy to see the Americans go. Bryden argues that this gives UNOSOM and Somalia's leaders a new opportunity that they would be foolish not to grasp. UNOSOM should gain more understanding of Somalia's social and political realities instead of "opting for a quick fix and a rapid exit". The current peace process is flawed. Clan leaders find that their legitimacy is being questioned. Aidid, leader of the Somali National Alliance (SNA), can no longer expect the support of the SSNM and is now dependent upon the SSDF, which suffers from internal power feuds. Bryden explains how the UN made a mistake trying to demonize Aidid, who only became more popular as a result and now wants to become the president. Bryden is also critical of UNOSOM's political intervention, which he claims is "self-serving". More time and money is spend on keeping UNOSOM staff happy, than on Mogadishu's infrastructure. If this continues, the situation in Somalia will only deteriorate further.