Somalia
Historical Chronology

The Security Council requested the Secretary-General provide a detailed and consolidated description of a feasible multinational force for Somalia. 

24 August 2008

It was reported that President Abdullahi Yusuf and Prime Minister Nur Adde Hassan Hussein had reached a preliminary agreement for reconciliation after meeting in Addis Ababa since 15 August.

24 August 2008

It was reported that the insurgents were in control of Kismayo and the 500-kilometre stretch of road connecting Kismayo with Mogadishu. 

23 August 2008

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah deplored the violence in Kismayo and expressed his sadness at the continuation of fighting between the Transitional Federal Government  and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia in and around Mogadishu and Afgoye on 16 and 17 August which resulted in a large number of civilian deaths.

21 August 2008

Heavy fighting erupted in Mogadishu between government/Ethiopian troops and Islamic insurgents resulting in at least 20 deaths.

20 August 2008

Fighting erupted between Islamic insurgents and clan militias in the southern port city of Kismayo reportedly killing at least seventy people and displacing an estimated 3,000 families.

19 August 2008

The Council unanimously adopted resolution 1831, renewing the mandate of AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for a further six months. The resolution encourages the Secretary-General to continue to explore ways and means with the AU to strengthen UN logistical, political and technical support for the AU to assist in the full deployment of AMISOM.  

18 August 2008

The Djibouti Agreement was formally signed.

Parties to the Djibouti Agreement held the first meetings of the two committees mandated by the Agreement: the High Level Committee (which deals with political cooperation, justice and reconciliation) and the Joint Security Committee (which is tasked with implementing security arrangements). The parties adopted the terms of reference for both committees and discussed implementation of the Djibouti Agreement.  

11 August 2008

France and Spain announced they would deploy frigates in a coordinated initiative to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia under resolution 1816 of 2 June which condemned maritime piracy off the Somali coast and urged states to increase and coordinate their efforts to deter such acts.

6 August 2008

Canada announced it would deploy a frigate to Somalia to protect UN World Food Programme (WFP) maritime convoys in accordance with resolution 1814, which on 15 May called on member states to protect shipping involved in delivering humanitarian aid to Somalia.

early August 2008

The chairman of the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, called on Arab countries to send peacekeepers to Somalia.

31 July 2008

President Abdullahi Yusuf revoked the order to dismiss Mogadishu mayor, Mohamed Dheere, and ten out of 15 cabinet ministers, believed to be allies of Yusuf, resigned on 2 August.

Thirty members of parliament called on Prime Minister Nur Adde Hassan Hussein to resign.  This followed the decision by Nur Adde and members of his cabinet on 29 July to dismiss Mogadishu mayor, Mohamed Dheere.

The Somalia Sanctions Committee met with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah,  to discuss possible targeted measures to be imposed against arms embargo violators and those determined to be impeding the political process, as requested in resolution 1814 of 15 May 2008.

Insurgent leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys reportedly claimed to have taken control over the Asmara-based Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS). This was later denied by Special Representative Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah and Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who negotiated the Djibouti Agreement and had until now been the ARS leader. Aweys also reiterated pledges to fight the TFG and Ethiopian troops. Special Representative Ould-Abdallah briefed the Council. Expressing hope about the prospects of the Djibouti Agreement, he presented a range of options for the Council’s consideration to improve security in support of the accord, including: re-hatting and strengthening AMISOM as a UN operation; authorising the deployment of an international stabilisation force; and establishing a UN peacekeeping operation. During comments to the media, Ould-Abdallah also expressed support for justice and accountability measures, including a possible referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Secretary-General reported that the Secretariat was assembling a team to: plan the relocation of the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) to that country from Kenya; support the implementation of the Djibouti Agreement;plan UN support for an international stabilisation force; and carry forward contingency planning for a UN peacekeeping presence in Somalia. The Secretary-General also reported that he is consulting with key partners on how best to move forward with the planning for a stabilisation force on the basis of the commitments contained in the Djibouti Agreement.

The Council issued a press statement condemning the killing of the head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP)’s office in Somalia, Ali Osman Ahmed.

A string of deliberate killings and kidnappings of aid workers severely increased the already significant risks faced by humanitarian operations in Somalia, and the likelihood that some aid organisations may pull out.    

29 June 2008

The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) renewed AMISOM’s mandate for six months from 17 July. The PSC also decided that AMISOM should take steps to support the implementation of the Djibouti Agreement between the TFG and members of the insurgency, and expressed hope that the agreement would lead to the deployment of a UN peacekeeping operation.

9 June 2008

The TFG and a wing of the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) reached agreement on:a 90-day renewable cessation of hostilities, starting within 30 days; the deployment within 120 days of a Council-authorised “international stabilisation force” excluding neighbouring countries, and Ethiopian withdrawal “after the deployment of a sufficient number of UN forces;” a statement by the ARS group condemning violence and disassociating itself from recalcitrant groups; pledges to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and assistance; a UN-chaired Joint Security Committee to oversee implementation; and a UN-chaired high-level committee to follow up on political cooperation between the parties and justice and reconciliation, and a related conference by 30 July. 

2 June 2008

The Council adopted resolution 1816 authorising states cooperating with the TFG to take action to against piracy and robbery off the Somali coast, after notification to the Secretary-General by the TFG.

The Council undertook a mission to Djibouti to discuss the situation in Somalia as part of a broader visit to a number of African countries. The mission underlined the Council's determination to assist efforts at fostering dialogue among Somali parties and its concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

30 May 2008

All sides—the TFG, Ethiopian forces and the opposing Shabaab militia—are being accused of violations against children, the Secretary-General reported. He encouraged the Council to refer such violations to the International Criminal Court (ICC).  

15 May 2008

The Council adopted resolution 1814, in which it inter alia supported the Secretary-General’s phased approach to Somali issues; requested him to establish security arrangements for the relocation of the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) from Nairobi to a location in Somalia; and requested him to continue contingency planning for the deployment of a UN operation to succeed AMISOM.

mid-May 2008

Peace talks commenced in Djibouti between the TFG and a wing of the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) under Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, mediated by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah. In late May, a Council mission met these two parties in Djibouti.

1 May 2008

Shabaab leader Aden Hashi Farah Ayrow was killed in a US air strike.

After an initial round of expert-level discussions, a version of a draft resolution was circulated responding to the proposed strategy for Somalia recommended by the Secretary-General in his 14 March 2008 report (S/2008/178). 

In resolution 1811, the Council once again stressed the obligations of all states to comply with the arms embargo without giving any specific indication of what action might be contemplated in the absence of compliance.

28 April 2008

A draft resolution addressing piracy issues off the coast of Somalia was circulated to members. The draft was sponsored by the US, France, the UK and Panama. It came as a response to increasing reports of hijacking of vessels in the region of the Gulf of Aden, including humanitarian shipments and commercial navigation.

The Sanctions Committee received the Monitoring Group’s final report, which noted continuous arms flows into Somalia. All sides have reportedly had a role in violations, including the TFG and the Shabaab, as well as Ethiopia, Yemen, Eritrea and the US. The report said Ugandan troops under AMISOM, TFG and Ethiopian forces have been involved in arms sales. Uganda, Yemen and Ethiopia denied the findings.

20 March 2008

The Secretary-General's Special Representative Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah and Assistant Secretary-General Edmond Mulet briefed the Council.  Ould-Abdallah argued that the Council should consider, alongside AMISOM, a "strong interim multi-national presence."

14 March 2008

The Secretary-General presented proposals for a broader UN strategic perspective for Somalia and contingency peacekeeping plans (S/2008/178).

12 March 2008

The Transitional Federal Government said it was "ready to reconcile with any Somali citizen," and that negotiations could take place at "any location" under Ould-Abdallah's mediation. 

3 March 2008

The US launched strikes at an alleged al-Qaeda target in southern Somalia, reportedly an al-Shabaab commander. 

20 February 2008

AU Commissioner Alpha Konaré presented proposals for a UN assistance package from AMISOM.

20 February 2008

The Council adopted resolution 1801, which, inter alia, renewed the Council’s authorisation for AMISOM for six months and affirmed the Council's intention to meet to discuss further actionon Somalia.

The Council heard a briefing by the Secretariat, where the preliminary findings of the Secretariat’s recent fact-finding mission to Somalia were presented. Somali and AU representatives made an urgent plea to the Council at an open meeting, calling for future UN takeover of peacekeeping responsibilities in Somalia. AU Permanent Observer Lila H. Ratsifandrihamanana also called for UN assistance to AMISOM in the meantime, noting that the AU plans to hold a high-level meeting to refocus international attention on Somalia and mobilise support for the political process.

Denmark took over naval anti-piracy patrols from France for two months, providing protection for UN food shipments, the World Food Programme reported. The new Somali Prime Minister, Nur Hassan Hussein, appears to have initiated dialogue with various stakeholders including opposition groups, but details remain unclear. The Prime Minister has seemingly indicated his willingness to talk to the Asmara-based Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia.

The sanctions Committee heard a briefing by the Monitoring Group on its recent interim report. The Group continued to note mounting violations of the arms embargo as well as the rise of the al-Shabaab, which appeared to receive regional and international assistance.

Mid-January 2008

The AU renewed AMISOM for six months. After significant delays, a Burundian contingent of about 630 troops was reportedly deployed in recent weeks to reinforce AMISOM. It is unclear if and when pledges from Nigeria and Ghana will materialise. Funding reportedly stands at about 5 percent of AMISOM’s budget of $622 million.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah presented a bleak picture of Somalia after 17 years of crisis and urged immediate action on two tracks to address political and security issues. The Council responded to Ould-Abdallah’s briefing with a presidential statement setting a deadline of 8 February for the Secretary-General to report on the issue.

Prime Minister Hussein dismissed his entire cabinet after parliament rejected the new line-up.

The transitional parliament confirmed the appointment of Nur Hassan Hussein as prime minister. Hussein, a Hawiye in accordance with the existing power-sharing formula and former Somali Red Crescent senior officer, is reportedly considered a neutral and conciliatory figure.

The Council responded to the Secretary-General in a statement which insisted that contingency planning should continue as part of an enhanced UN integrated strategy, while recognising the need for greater support for AMISOM.

The Somali parliament adopted legislation to allow non-parliamentarians to be appointed to cabinet positions, a move considered essential for ensuring a more effective cabinet with widespread support.

TFG security forces arrested and detained for five days the head of the World Food Programme (WFP) office in Mogadishu , leading to a halt in WFP food distribution in the capital.

TFG officials and many clan leaders met in Jeddah under Saudi Arabian auspices to sign the National Reconciliation Conference's outcome. The meeting also called for the deployment of an Arab-African force under UN aegis to replace Ethiopian troops and reinforce peacekeeping in Somalia.

The opposition held its own meeting in Asmara under Eritrean facilitation. The "Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia" was then established. Its central committee would include the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), with 40 percent of the seats, former MPs with 25 percent and the diaspora with 16 percent. The Alliance vowed to fight Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Ethiopian troops in Somalia, and criticised the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for taking sides.

The Council unanimously adopted resolution 1772 authorising the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to continue its operation for another six months.  The Council also stated its intention in resolution 1772 to take unspecified measures against those threatening the peace process, the transitional government, AMISOM, or undermining stability in Somalia or the region. 

25 July 2007

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) stated that the reconciliation conference was open to all, including rebel legislators based in Asmara and insurgent fighters. It seemed, however, that the TFG had not satisfied concerns that the agenda was sufficiently open or the safety of delegates could be assured.

18 July 2007

The AU Peace and Security Council adopted a communiqué on Somalia renewing AMISOM for six months and appealing for transition to a UN peacekeeping operation. It also called for a UN assistance package for AMISOM.

15 July 2007 

A reconciliation conference opened in Mogadishu after two postponements.  About 1,000 delegates attended but it was then suspended and marred by security problems.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council requested that the issue of piracy be brought to the attention of the Security Council “so that [it] requests the [TFG] to take appropriate action. Such action could include giving consent to ships… to enter the country's territorial waters when engaging in operations against pirates or suspected pirates and armed robbers endangering the safety of life at sea.” The IMO and the World Food Programme (WFP) also issued a joint communiqué in July emphasising the importance of the issue.

In a private Council debate, Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi reiterated calls from the TFG for a transition from AMISOM to a UN operation. Gedi renewed TFG pledges for an all-inclusive reconciliation conference.

19 June 2007

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) announced an amnesty for insurgents-except for those involved in international terrorism-and the release of prisoners. 

14 June 2007

Under Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe briefed the Security Council on his trip to Somalia.  He reportedly underscored that the Somalia situation requires an increase in international troops on the ground so that Ethiopia can withdraw, greater Transitional Federal Government (TFG) contact with the opposition and a more constructive role by neighbours. 

early June 2007

Under Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe visited Somalia.

early June 2007

International Contact Group agreed on an action plan to support efforts on reconciliation and improvements to African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM)'s funding mechanism.

late April 2007

A major offensive by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Ethiopian troops to stabilise Mogadishu began. 

February 2007

The Council authorised African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).

December 2006-January 2007

Ethiopian and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces overran the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC).

October- November 2006

The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) encircled the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) at its sole outpost, Baidoa. Ethiopian troops began amassing along the border.

25 September 2006

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and Somalia called for exemptions to the arms embargo at a Council meeting.  The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) took control of Kismayo.

18 September 2006

President Yusuf suffered an assassination attempt.

13 September 2006

The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council formally endorsed IGAD Peace Support Mission to Somalia (IGASOM)'s mission plan.

5 September 2006

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) reached an agreement on joint security forces.  The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) adopted a revised IGAD Peace Support Mission to Somalia (IGASOM) mission plan. 

29 August 2006

The Contact Group met in Stockholm.

21 August 2006

The new 31-member cabinet was appointed.

7 August 2006

A compromise among President Yusuf, Parliament Speaker Aden and Prime Minister Gedi led to the dissolution of the 42-member Prime Minister's cabinet. 

30 July 2006

Prime Minister Gedi very narrowly survived a no-confidence vote. 

21 July 2006

The Contact Group called on the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) to resume talks and to make them more inclusive. 

13 July 2006

The Council expressed support for the TFI's and willingness to consider the African Union (AU)'s request for an exemption to the arms embargo.

5-9 July 2006

A joint fact-finding mission made up of the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Arab League visited Somalia to assess the possiblity of deploying troops to the country.

22 June 2006

The first round of talks between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), faciliated by the Arab League, took place in Khartoum.

15 June 2006

At its first meeting, the Contact Group expressed support for the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) framework and for dialogue.

14 June 2006

The National Security and Stablisation Plan (NSSP) was adopted by the Transitional Federal Parliament. 

13 June 2006

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) decided to make a list of individuals "involved in illegal use of arms" and to apply individual sanctions (such as assets freeze and travel bans) against "all warlords." 

early June 2006

The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) had seized control of Mogadishu and Jowhar from the coalition of warlords known as the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism. 

September 2005

Somaliland held internationally monitored elections.

June 2005

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) moved to Jowhar. 

May 2005

The African Union (AU) authorised IGAD Peace Support Mission to Somalia (IGASOM).

April 2005

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) decided to send troops to Somalia.

10 October 2004

Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed was elected president and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was established. 

The mandate of the Panel of Experts was expanded by resolution 1474  investigate specifically violations of the arms embargo covering access to Somalia by land, air and sea, and in particular to pursue any sources that might reveal information related to violations, and to detail information and make specific recommendations to give effect to and strengthen the embargo in its various aspects.

July 2002

In resolution 1425, the Council decided to expand the arms embargo.   The Council also established a  the Panel of Experts to assist the Sanctions Committee with the following mandate: to investigate all forms of violations, to assess the capacity of the states in the region to implement the arms embargo, and to provide recommendations to the Council on ways to strengthen enforcement of the arms embargo.

The Council in resolution 1407 established a two-member Team of Experts to examine the feasibility and prospects for a monitoring mechanism.

April 1995

UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) was established.

November 1994

The Council decided to terminate UN Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) by March 1995. 

February 1994

UN Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM)'s troop levels were decreased.

3 October 1993

Troops from a separate US force, deployed in Mogadishu (outside UNOSOM and thus not under UN command and control), launched an operation to capture General Aidid without the knowledge or consent of the UN. Hundreds of Somalis died. Two US Black Hawk helicopters were shot down and 18 American soldiers were killed, some dragged though the streets. 75 US troops were wounded. The US announced withdrawal from Somalia by March 1994.

5 June 1993

Pakistani troops were attacked by General Aidid's faction after leaving an authorised weapons storage site: 24 were killed, 57 injured, 6 missing (1 of whom died in captivity) and 5 later released. 

March 1993

UN Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) was established.

December 1992

The Council authorised United Nations Task Force (UNITAF) to guard and distribute relief supplies.

April 1992

UN Operation in Somalia I (UNOSOM I) and a Sanctions Committee were established.

January 1992

The Council imposed an arms embargo in resolution 733.

1991

Civil war broke out; Somaliland declared independence.