Factions in the Somali Civil War

Groups since 1981

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Over the course of the Somali Civil War, there have been many revolutionary movements and militia groups run by competing rebel leaders which have held de facto control over vast areas within Somalia.

## Prior to the fall of Siad Barre (through 1991)

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### Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF)

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First Somali resistance group.

* Leaders: Dr. Hassan Ali Mire, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, General Mohamed Abshir Musa, Mohammed Abshir Waldo (General Secretary)
* Area of Operations: 1988: Mudug region in central Somalia and Nugaal and Bari regions in northeastern Somalia; 1991: northeast Somalia (Puntland)
* Tribal Affiliation: Majerteen and Darood clans
* Founded: 1978 by several army officers, it was the first of several opposition groups dedicated to ousting the authoritarian regime of Mohamed Siad Barre.[1]

Took part in a 1982 Ethiopian border offensive against Somalia.

The SSDF also propped up and trained the SNM. Both SSDF and SNM leaders met in Ethiopia’s capital in September 1987 to unite and devise a plan to topple Siad Barre’s regime but they failed to agree on a common strategy.

### Somali National Front (SNF)

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The SNF was a political revolutionary movement and armed militia in Somalia. Initially made up of loyalists to former President of Somalia Siad Barre and the remnants of the Somali National Army forces after his ouster from office, the SNF's intent and goal was to recapture Mogadishu and reinstate Barre's regime.

* Leaders: General Ahmed Ali, Mohammed Said Samatar "Gacaliye", Ahmed Sheikh Ali Ahmed "Burale", Dr. Ali Nur, General Mohammed Hashi Gaani, General Ahmed Warsame Col Barre Hiiraale, Gen Omar Hagi Massale, Col. Abdirizak Issak Bihi.
* Area of Operations: Southern and Central Somalia; occasional forays to outskirts of Mogadishu and neighboring Regions.
* Tribal Affiliation: Marehan; & Ogaden Clans.::
* Founded: March 1991.:

### Somali National Movement (SNM)

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Flag of the Somali National Movement

* Leaders:
* Ahmed Mohamed Gulaid 1981–1982
* Sheikh Yusuf Ali Sh.Madar 1982–1983
* Col. Abdiqadir Kosar Abdi 1983–1984
* Ahmed M.Mahamoud Silanyo 1984-1990,
* Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur 1990-1991
* Area of Operations: Northwestern Somalia (Somaliland)
* Tribal Affiliation: Isaaq; & Dir clans.::
* Founded: 1981
* Founders. Berbera; Hargeysa &..!!
* Ahmad Mahammad Culaid,
* Ahmed Ismail Abdi Duqsi,
* Mohamed Hashi cilmi,
* Hassan Aaddan wadaadiid
* Hassan isse Jama
* Prof Abdisalan Gabeyhadi

Isaaq tribe members had founded the movement in 1981 as emigres to London with the express purpose of overthrowing the Barre regime. They eventually moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and gained the support of the Ethiopian government.::

On January 2, 1982, operating near Berbera, the group attacked Mandera Prison to free political prisoners while simultaneously raiding Cadaadle armory.

Between 1985 and 1987, the SNM conducted many attacks on government facilities and troops based out of camps in Ethiopia.

By 1988, the SNM moved out of their camps in Ethiopia and began operating in northern Somali republic, the area now known as Somaliland.[2] They even temporarily occupied the provincial capitals of Burao and Hargeysa.

They captured government Toyota Land Cruisers turned them into technicals by mounting 12.7 mm and 14.5 mm machineguns, 106 mm recoilless rifles, and BM-21 rocket launchers. They also operated various antiaircraft guns, such as the ZU-23-2.

By 1991, they had taken control of Hargeysa, Berbera, Burao, and Erigavo. On May 18, 1991, they declared the Republic of Somaliland.

### Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM)

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* Leaders: Colonel Shukri Weyrah Kariye, Colonel Bashir Bililiqo,

Colonel Ahmed Omar Jess, General Aden Abdullahi Nur ('Gabyow'), General Mohammed Said Hersi "Morgan"

* Area of Operations: Southern; Western Somalia.::
* Tribal Affiliation: Ogaden; Warsangale; &..:: (SPM 'Ogadeni') and Wardey (known as SPM 'Harti')
* Founded: 1989.::

Begun by a group of disaffected Ogadeni officers.

A key accomplishment was the seizure of Balli-Dogle air base in the days prior to Barre's flight from Mogadishu.[3]

### Somali Democratic Alliance (SDA)

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* Leaders: Mohamed Farah Abdullahi, Mohamed Rashiid Sheekh also called sheekh malee, Zak Fergason, and Jamac Rabile(SDA)
* Area of Operations: Awdal, Somaliland
* Tribal Affiliation: Gadabursi; Warsangeli clans.
* Founded: 1989[4]

Pro-Barre faction. Fought against other liberation movements during Barre's reign.

### United Somali Congress (USC)

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* Leaders: Dr. Omar M. Hassan, Gen, ciise maqadeye Hussein Ahmed Mohamed, Abdi Hilowle Hassan, Hassan Mohamud Moheddin, Hassan Omar Mohamed (Founders, 1989

Gen, ciise maqadeye Ali M. Osoble (Ali Wardhiigley) And Dr. Ismael Jimaale) (Mogadishu section founder, 1989); General Mohamed Farrah Aidid, Ali Mahdi Mohamed, Mohamed Qanyare Afrah (November 1991)

* Area of Operations: Greater Banaader Area (GBA) South Central Somalia
* Tribal Affiliation: Gorgaate Hawiye Clans & Tribes.::

(Habar Gidir, Xawaadle, duduble, and Abgaal Mudulod clans).::

* Founded: February 1, 1989 in Roma; Marseille; &.::

On January 26, 1991, the USC stormed the Presidential palace in Mogadishu, taking control of the capital and forcing Siad Barre into exile.

In November 1991, factionalism between Gen. Aidid and Ali Mahdi Mahammad caused a split in the USC. Mohamed Qanyare Afrah was chosen to be the Chairman of USC .

### Somali Democràctic Movement (SDM)

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* Leaders:Maxamed Qanyare Afrah; M. Ali Dheere & (Leeqliqato); etc.
* Area of Operations: Greater Banaader ; Southern Somalia.:
* Tribal Affiliation: Ajrn; Dgdi; Shkhl; Mrsll K. & Sxll K..::

* Founded: April 1989[5]

### Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya (AIAI)

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* Leaders:
* Hassan Dahir Aweys,
* Abdullahi Ali Afrah (aasbaro)
* Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki
* Area of Operations: Southwest (Ras Kamboni, Luuq)
* Religious Affiliations:Sunni Islam
* Founded: Late 1980s.

### Southern Somali National Movement

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* Clan affiliation: Biimaal

### United Somali Root (USR)

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* [6] Founded 1991, represents Somali indigenous groups, non-violence organization
* Leaders: Mohammed Husen, Ex-parliamentary Somali Transitional Federal Government; TFG, died 2010 in Mogadisho,
* and General Mohammed Mohammud Hayd Ex-cabinet of President Dr.Abdiqasiman, and parliamentary
* an advocate of Somali indigenous clans.
* Tribal Affiliation: Muse clan and madhiban indigenous Somali clans.

## Founded after the fall of Siad Barre through to the UN interventions (1991–1995)

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### Somaliland

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Leaders  | Area of Operations  | Tribal Affiliation  | Dates  | Flag

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1991–1993: Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur
1993–2002: Ibrahim Egal
2002-2010: Dahir Riyale Kahin
2010-2017: Ahmed M. Mahamoud Silanyo
2017- current: Muse Bihi Abdi | Somaliland | Isaaq
Dhulbahante

Dir

| 18 May 1991–Present  |

The Isaaq and Dhulbahante -dominated northern region of Somalia declared its independence in 1991, but has not been recognized by any country or international organization as a sovereign nation.

### Somali National Alliance (SNA)

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* Leaders: 1992-1996: Mohamed Farrah Aidid, Mohamed Nur Aliyou; 1996-2001: Hussein Mohamed Farah Aidid
* Area of Operations: Greater Banaader Area; Southern Somalia.
* Tribal affiliation: Habar Gidir; Ogaadeen; Duduble; Gugundhabe; Raxanweyn (Digil & Mirifle).::
* Founded: June 1992 - 2004/2005.:

Its constituents included Mohamed Aidid's breakaway United Somali Congress faction, the Somali Patriotic Movement, Southern Somali National Movement, and other southern factions. His son, Hussein Aidid, assumed leadership upon his death. The SNA became the core of the SRRC in 2001.::

### Somali National Front (SNF)

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* Leaders: General Siad Barre, General Mohammed Said Samatar, General Mohammed Hashi Gaani, General Ahmed Ali,'Gacaliye', General Omar Hagi Masallah, Dr. Ali Nur Mukhtar, Ahmed Sheikh Ali " Buraale ". Col. Abdirizak Isak Bihi, Mohamud Sayid.
* Area of Operations: Bay, Lower Shabelle, Middle Jubba and Lower Jubba regions; occasional forays to outskirts of Mogadishu
* Tribal Affiliation: Marehan (Mareehaan)
* Founded: March 1991

Loyalists to Siad Barre and Ahmed Ali, the remnants of his army forces founded the SNF militia after his ouster from office.

Their intent and goal was to recapture Mogadishu and reinstate the regime of Siad Barre, and to establish regional state in Middle Jubba, Gedo, Lower Jubba Regions.

### United Somali Front (USF)

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* Leaders: Abdurahman Dualeh Al;
* Area of Operations: Zeila, Somaliland
* Tribal Affiliation: Issa
* Founded: prior to 1991 as a small liberation movement. "New" USF founded Summer 1991

The original USF joined with the SNM in the creation of the Republic of Somaliland.

The Issa clan is a Somali clan that spreads across northwest Somaliland and the nation of Djibouti. The "new" USF especially sought to represent the interests of the Djibouti-based Iise.

### Somali Africans Muke Organization (SAMO)

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(also called Somali Asal Muki Organization)

* Leaders: Mohamed Ramadan Arbow
* Area of Operations: Southern Somalia.::
* Tribal Affiliation: Bantu
* Founded: 1993

Some of the tribes living the jubba and shabelle river banks[7]

### Somali National Democratic Union (SNDU)

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* Leaders: Ali Ismael Abdi and Abdullahi Azari
* Area of Operations: Galgadud, Mudug, Burtinle-Nugaal
* Tribal Affiliation: Awrtable and Lelkase Darood sub-clans
* Founded: 1991
* Founding member of Puntland state, alongside the SSDF.
* Museum : Museum is available at Mudug.

### Somali National Union (SNU)

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* Leaders: Dr. Mohamed Ragis Mohamed
* Area of Operations:
* Tribal Affiliation: Reer Hamar; an Arabic ethnics, not Somali ethnics.::
* Founded: 1960s
* Ideology: Anti-Siad Barre
Reer Hamar interests

A political party that was active in the 1960s but was forced into dissolution during the Barre regime. It revived after his downfall.

### United Somali Party (USP)

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* Leaders: Mohamed Abdi Hashi
* Area of Operations: Erigavo and Las Anod, Somalia
* Tribal Affiliation: Dhulbahante, Warsangeli, Gadabuursi (Samaroon).
* Founded: 1957 - 1969 (original group); 1991.::

The "new" USP had no affiliation to the original group founded in the 1950s. The new group that bore their name were generally pro-Siad, but key participants in the Reconciliation Conference of the Elders at Borama in early 1993.

## Those present at the 1993 Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia

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The 1993 Informal Preparatory Meeting on National Reconciliation and the Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia saw the presence of no less than “15” separate factions.: including the offshoot SNA branches of USC and SPM. It was a plethora of acronyms: SAMO, SDA, SDM, SNA, SNDU, SNF, SNU, SPM, SPM-(SNA), SSDF, SSNM-(SNA), USC-(SNA), USC, USF, USP. Aidid's four SNA-aligned factions comprised a powerful bloc.::

The progressive tone of the proceedings was undercut by the actual lack of progress in the regions and on the streets of Mogadishu. In time, new factions emerged as the Somali Civil War entered a new phase: disintegration into independent and autonomous states.::

## Created after the departure of the UN Missions (1995–Present)

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Faction  | Tribal Affiliation  | Dates  | Flag

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Puntland | Darood | 1998–Present  |
Jubaland under Juba Valley Alliance (JVA)  | Darood | 1999–Present  |
Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SRRC)  | Hawiye | 2001–2004  |
Southwestern Somalia | Rahanweyn | 2002–2006  |
Transitional Federal Government (TFG)  | Darod, Dir, Hawiye and Rahanweyn 4.5  | 2004–present  |
Islamic Courts Union (ICU)  | Predominately Hawiye | 2006–2007 (replaced by Al-Shabaab)  |
Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT)  | Hawiye | 2006  |
Galmudug | Habar Gidir Hawiye and Marehan Darod  | 2006–present  |
Popular Resistance Movement in the Land of the Two Migrations | Multi-clan  | 2007–present  |
Maakhir | Warsangeli | 2007-2008 (rejoined Puntland in January 2009)  |
SSC movement  | Dhulbahante, Darwiish clan  | 2008  |
Al-Shabaab | Non Somali and Somali  | 2009  |
Hizbul Islam | Non  | 2009–2010 and 2012–2014  |
Islamic State | Hawiye and Majeerteen (Ali Suleiman)  | 2015  |

## See also

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* Somalia portal

## References

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1. ^ Nina J. Fitzgerald, Somalia: issues, history, and bibliography, (Nova Publishers: 2002), p.25.
2. ^ The Fall of Siad Barre and the Descent into Civil War Nations Encyclopedia
3. ^ The Liberation Movements of Somalia Archived 2006-12-10 at the Wayback Machine Jack L. Davies, 27 August 1994
4. ^ Uwechue, Raph (1991). Africa Today. Africa Journal Limited. ISBN 9780903274197. "(founded 1989, leader, Mohammed Farah Abdullah)"
5. ^ Mukhtar, Mohamed Haji (2003-02-25). Historical Dictionary of Somalia. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 9780810866041.
6. ^ "Somali Boundaries and the Question of Statehood", Security, Clans and Tribes, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014, doi:10.1057/9781137470751.0007, ISBN 9781137470751
7. ^ SAMO

* Major Gideon S. Hall, Warlords of the Somali Civil War (1988–1995), Master's degree research report, Air Command and Staff College, United States Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, 2015. Introductory overview.

* v
* t
* e

War in Somalia (2006–2009)

* Part of the Somali Civil War
* Ethiopian–Somali conflict
* War on terror

Timeline|

* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009

Background|

* History of Somalia (1991–2006)
* Greater Somalia
* Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa
* Somali Civil War
* Factions
* Diplomatic and humanitarian efforts
* Propaganda
* Disarmament
* 2006 Islamic Courts Union offensive
* 2006 Battle of Mogadishu
* Ethiopian–Somali conflict
* Insurgency in Ogaden
* Somali Reconciliation Conferences
* 1993
* 2002
* 2007

Battles|

* Battle of Baidoa
* Battle of Bandiradley
* Battle of Beledweyne (2006)
* Battle of Jowhar
* Fall of Mogadishu
* Battle of Jilib
* Fall of Kismayo
* Battle of Ras Kamboni
* Battle of Mogadishu (March–April 2007)
* Battle of Bargal (2007)
* Battle of Mogadishu (November 2007)
* Battle of Mogadishu (2008)
* Battle of Beledweyne (2008)
* Siege of Baidoa
* Battle of Kismayo (2008)

OEF–HOA|

* Battle of Ras Kamboni
* Battle of Bargal (2007)
* Dobley airstrike
* Dhusamareb airstrike

Other events|

* 2007 Mogadishu TransAVIAexport Airlines Il-76 crash
* February 2008 Bosaso bombings
* Al-Hidaya Mosque massacre
* 2008 Mogadishu bombing
* 2008 Hargeisa–Bosaso bombings

Key players|

* Ethiopia
* Meles Zenawi
* Gabre Heard
* Islamic Courts Union
* Hassan Dahir Aweys
* Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
* al-Itihaad al-Islamiya
* Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki
* al-Shabaab
* Mukhtar Robow
* Aden Hashi Farah Aero
* ARPCT
* Abdi Hasan Awale
* Mohamed Omar Habeb
* Transitional Federal Parliament
* Ali Mohammed Ghedi
* Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
* Puntland
* Mohamud Muse Hersi
* Galmudug
* Mohamed Warsame Ali
* United States
* Jendayi Frazer
* AMISOM
* Yoweri Museveni

* Next phase: Somali Civil War (2009–present)

* v
* t
* e

Somali Civil War (2009–present)

* Part of the Somali Civil War
* War on terror

Timeline|

* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Background|

* History of Somalia (1991–2006)
* Greater Somalia
* Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa
* Somali Civil War
* Factions
* Diplomatic and humanitarian efforts
* Propaganda
* Disarmament
* 2006 Islamic Courts Union offensive
* Battle of Mogadishu (2006)
* Ethiopian–Somali conflict
* Insurgency in Ogaden
* Somali Reconciliation Conferences
* 1993
* 2002
* 2007

Operations
and battles|

* Battle of South Mogadishu
* Battle of Mogadishu (2009)
* Battle for Central Somalia (2009)
* Battle of Wabho
* Battle of Kismayo (2009)
* Battle of Beledweyne (2010)
* 2010 Ayn clashes
* 2010 Kenya–Al-Shabaab border clash
* Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011)
* Battle of Jubbada Hoose
* Battle of Gedo
* Battle of Elwaq
* Operation Linda Nchi
* Battle of Deynile
* Battle of Beledweyne (2011)
* Battle of Yurkud (2012)
* Battle of Kismayo (2012)
* Bulo Marer hostage rescue attempt
* Operation Indian Ocean
* Galgala campaign
* Battle of Baure
* Battle of Leego (2015)
* Battle of Janale (2015)
* Battle of El Adde
* Qandala campaign
* Battle of Kulbiyow
* 2017 raid on Barii
* Battle of Af Urur
* 2017 Golweyn ambush
* November 2017 Somalia airstrike
* 2018 African Union base attack in Bulo Marer
* December 2018 airstrikes in Gandarshe
* Camp Simba attack
* 2021 Mogadishu mutiny
* 2021 Golweyn ambush
* 2021 Galmudug clashes
* 2022 al-Shabaab invasion of Ethiopia
* Battle of Bal'ad
* Battle of Runirgod
* Battle of Buulo Mareer
* 2025 Shabelle offensive

Attacks|

* 2009 African Union base bombings in Mogadishu
* 2009 Beledweyne bombing
* 2009 Hotel Shamo bombing
* May 2010 Mogadishu bombings
* 2010 Kampala bombings
* Muna Hotel attack
* 2011 Mogadishu bombing
* June 2013 Mogadishu attack
* 2013 Mogadishu Turkish embassy attack
* Westgate shopping mall attack
* 2013 Beledweyne attacks
* 2014 Villa Somalia attack
* 2014 Hotel Amalo attack
* Central Hotel attack
* Makka al-Mukarama hotel attack
* Garissa University College attack
* 2015 Ministry of Higher Education attack
* Garowe attack
* Jazeera Palace Hotel bombing
* Sahafi Hotel attacks
* January 2016 Mogadishu attack
* Daallo Airlines Flight 159
* February 2016 Mogadishu attack
* Baidoa suicide bombing
* June 2016 Mogadishu attacks
* 2016 Galkayo bombings
* November 2016 Mogadishu car bombing
* December 2016 Mogadishu suicide bombing
* 2 January 2017 Mogadishu bombings
* Dayah Hotel attack
* February 2017 Mogadishu bombing
* 14 October 2017 Mogadishu bombings
* 28 October 2017 Mogadishu attacks
* February 2018 Mogadishu attacks
* March 2018 Mogadishu bombing
* July 2018 Mogadishu bombings
* 2 September 2018 Mogadishu bombing
* Sahafi Hotel attacks
* December 2018 Mogadishu bombing
* Nairobi DusitD2 complex attack
* Nairobi Latema Road blast
* 4 February 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 28 February 2019 Mogadishu bombings
* Asasey Hotel attack
* 22 July 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 24 July 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 2019 Kenya bus shooting
* December 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 2020 Afgooye bombing
* 2020 Mogadishu army base bombing
* 2020 Mogadishu hotel attack
* 2020 Galkayo bombing
* March 2021 Mogadishu bombing
* June 2021 Mogadishu bombing
* November 2021 Mogadishu bombing
* 2022 Mandera attack
* February 2022 Beledweyne bombing
* March 2022 Somalia attacks
* April 2022 Mogadishu bombing
* August 2022 Mogadishu attack
* September 2022 Beledweyne attack
* October 2022 Beledweyne bombings
* 2022 Kismayo hotel attack
* October 2022 Mogadishu bombings
* Siege of the Villa Rossa Hotel
* Mahas bombings
* 2023 Mogadishu hotel attack
* 2023 Jaalle Siyaad military academy bombing
* 2023 Beledweyne bombing
* 2023 Mogadishu tea shop bombing
* 2024 Mogadishu market bombing
* 2024 Mogadishu SYL Hotel attack and siege
* 2024 El Dher attack
* 2024 Mogadishu prison attack
* Top Coffee bombing
* 2024 Lido Beach attack
* 2024 Mogadishu tea shop bombing
* 2025 Beledweyne hotel attack
* Attempted assassination of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
* 2025 Garissa attack
* 2025 Mogadishu military base bombing
* 2025 Jaalle Siyaad military academy bombing

OEF–HOA|

* 2009 Baraawe raid
* Bulo Marer hostage rescue attempt
* 2013 raid on Barawe
* 2017 raid on Barii

Other events|

* Death of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor
* London Somalia Conference
* Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim controversy
* Daallo Airlines Flight 159
* Awdiinle massacre

Key players|

* Al-Shabaab
* Mukhtar Robow
* Ali Dhere
* Fuad Qalaf
* Hizbul Islam
* Hassan Dahir Aweys
* Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki
* Federal Government of Somalia
* Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
* Omar Sharmarke
* Mohamed Sheikh Hassan
* Ma'awisley
* Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
* Galmudug
* Abdi Hasan Awale
* Puntland
* Abdiweli Gaas
* AMISOM
* United States AFRICOM
* Islamic State in Somalia

* Previous phase: War in Somalia (2006–2009)

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