War and Alliances The Transformative Roles of External Actors in the Somali Conflict

221 Pages·2015·2.34 MB·English

War and Alliances
The Transformative Roles of External Actors in the Somali Conflict

By

Chukwudi Solomon Osondu
(Student Number: 206526356)

Being a Thesis Submitted to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Conflict
Transformation and Peace Studies

Supervisor: Professor Ufo I. Okeke-Uzodike
March 2015
“As the candidate’s Supervisor, I agree/do not agree to the submission of this thesis.”

______________________________
Professor Ufo I. Okeke-Uzodike

Declaration
I hereby declare that the thesis is a product of my own research work. All the materials or
data used in this work are duly acknowledged by way of references and bibliography.

_________________
Osondu, Chukwudi S.

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Certification
It is hereby certified that this thesis entitled “War and Alliances: The Transformative Role of
External Actors in Somali Conflict” is an original research carried out by Chukwudi Solomon
Osondu (Student Registration Number 206526356).

This research was carried out under my supervision and guidance and is hereby accepted and
recommended for Approval for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in
Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

_________________________
Professor Ufo I. Okeke-Uzodike
Supervisor

Date: _____________________

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Dedication
This work is dedicated to my lovely family. My beloved wife and best friend, Adachudi and
our wonderful children, Chy, Chukwudi Jnr and Muna who suffered lots of deprivations from
my periodically very long absences during the course of this work. Their spiritual strength,
consistent calls and unfailing love kept me going even when there was much on the way to
discourage me from continuing the journey.

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Acknowledgement
God takes the first of my appreciations. It was possible to start this work and complete
because of His faithfulness. His provisions and protection, strength and healing hands upheld
me in the most trying times of this programme. When I remember that many start the race
and do not complete it, I simply know I am here because God ferried me this far.
Let me sincerely appreciate my supervisor, Professor Ufo I. Okeke-Uzodike, whose
knowledge and expertise in guiding students through difficult research was brought to bear
on this work. I acknowledge his invaluable advice, very productive scholarly appraisals and
guidance throughout the duration of this work. I benefited immensely working under your
supervision. I also appreciate those times he facilitated my fieldtrips. My God will bless you.
I wish to appreciate the immeasurable assistance from Professor Stephen Mutula. He readily
connected me to the University of Nairobi Librarian. He also facilitated my accommodation
and transportation. He made a lot of things easier for me while on the field trip in Kenya.
The Omoge family of Buruburu, Nairobi provided me with shelter, food and transport for the
duration of my stay in Kenya. It was a great experience in a great home.
I appreciate the assistance of Professor Makumi Mwangiru, the Director, Institute of
Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi, for allowing me the use of the
Institute’s facility for my work while in Kenya.
I also say a big thank you to Mrs. Jacinta Were the then Deputy University Librarian (T),
University of Nairobi, Kenya , for granting me an unfettered access to the University library
materials and other forms of assistance.
James Murunga was my Research assistant in Kenya. He took me round and helped me in
locating appointment venues. His mastery of Nairobi city and suburbs made it possible for
me to accomplish a lot. His commitment to seeing me achieve success made him to take
some risks in some locations. I am really very grateful.
I wish to acknowledge in a special way, Most Rev. Christian O. Efobi JP, the Archbishop of
Province of the Niger and the Bishop of Diocese of Aguata and the wife, Dame Jane N.
Efobi, for their enduring support throughout the course of this programme. Their prayers and
benevolence have been without measure.
My special appreciation also goes to Professor Godwin Onu, the Rector, Federal Polytechnic,
Oko, for his immense support.
I owe a lot of gratitude to Chief Dr. Alex Ekwueme, GCON, the Former Vice-President of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has been a consistent benefactor. I will not forget quickly
that this PhD is a follow-up to my Masters study for which he hugely supported. Aka-Ide
Beatrice Ekwueme and Ifeoma (Ochiliozua) Ekwueme are also appreciated.
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I appreciate the support of my Chaplain Assistant who effectively manages the Chapel during
my numerous absences. The prayers for my success by the entire congregation are equally
immeasurable.
I will remain ever grateful to the care and love of Dr. Uju, Udu, Mma and Nyelum Okeke-
Uzodike. You made me feel very much at home whenever I am in school. I also thank Dr.
Paul Okeke and family, Dr. Ngene, and Dr. Apelehin. Obinna Okafor and the wife, Dr.
Nneka Okafor and household have been most helpful. My friend Kingsley Efogwo and wife
accommodate me kind-heartedly whenever I am in Johannesburg. Thank you. My gratitude
also goes to Chinedu Ekwealor, Canon Wisdom Otaluka and all others I have not been able to
mention.
I cannot forget my son and friend, Elvis Chiaghanam, whose assistance saw me through some
of the most difficult times in cause of this research. My God will continue to water you.
This will be incomplete without my appreciating my lovely family. Adachudi -- my wife and
best friend -- thank you for remaining very solidly behind me throughout the duration of this
programme. You never failed to shield the children or to back my struggles with prayers. I
remain indebted to your love, care and understanding as well as your resolute commitment to
our home. I can never thank you enough.

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Table of Contents
Declaration i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Content vi
List of Figures vii
List of Tables viii
Abbreviation ix
Abstract xii

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List of Figures
Figure 2.1: A physiograghical map of Somalia 18
Figure 8.1: Alliances of Internal and External Actors in the Somali Conflict 120
Figure 8.2: Combat/Battle-related deaths in Somalia, 2000 – 2012 137
Figure 8.3: Internally Displaced Persons in Somalia resulting from war, 2000 – 2010 139

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