Supporting Civil Society in Somalia: International Assistance that Promotes Democracy and Stability.

摘要

The international community has intervened repeatedly in Somalia since the central government fell in 1991. Unfortunately, these interventions failed to produce a stable, elected government. Instead, over the last 20 years Somalis have faced famine, terrorism, sexual violence, and a lack of basic public services. Somalia's problems stem from a lack of political unity and the rule of corrupt elites who misappropriate foreign aid and national resources. However, even with the pressures of the last two decades, parts of Somali society have prospered and developed into civil societies that serve as counterweights to a predatory government. The international community and the United States should provide support around the edges of Somali politics and society. Actively engaging the center of politics and society through a brokered peace deal or lengthy military occupation would invite corruption and mistrust. Aggressive intervention such as establishing an international administration over Somalia would unnecessarily cause friction. It also would delay Somalia's development into a unified, strong nation. Numerous Somalis possess the technical ability to run a government. What is missing is accountability.