Chukwudi Osondu

The Horn of Africa and International Terrorism: the Predisposing Operational Environment of Somalia Chukwudi Osondu

Somalia ceased to exist as a functional state since 1991. With the complete and protracted collapse of the Somali state, and the unending conflicts and lawlessness, Somalia has lent itself a place in the discourse of conflicts around the globe with significant precedents. There is not much debate regarding the level of collapse of the Somali state as is for the possible security implications of the territory as a congenial terrorist safe haven. But events in Somalia tends to agree with the view that the prevalent environment provided by a combination of the absence of a central government, collapse of all institutions of law enforcement, wide availability of arms in the hands of militias and unemployed youths, unmanned long borders and the enduring contention for power, coupled with the steady growth of fundamentalist Islamism inside Somalia, makes Somalia an endearing destination for foreign terrorist elements.