Somalia Redux? Assessing the New Somali Federal Government

The Somali Federal Government (SFG), established in August 2012, has been widely welcomed as Somalia’s first “post-transition” government, receiving breathlessly upbeat media coverage and plaudits from the international community. Matt Bryden argues in this report that these buoyant judgments are based on highly selective appraisals of the situation. The SFG remains frail and embattled. Furthermore, there are major question marks over its inclusiveness and its relationships with other Somali authorities and factions. Less than a year into the SFG’s mandate, hope and optimism are steadily giving way to polarization, acrimony, and fears of renewed violence.

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) 2013

CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.  The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change.