What role did the Somali National Movement (SNM) play in the Isaaq genocide

Introduction

The Somali National Movement (SNM) played a significant role in the events leading up to and during the Isaaq genocide, though not as perpetrators.

Formation and Early Activities

The SNM was founded in London in April 1981 by a group of Isaaq businesspeople, students, former civil servants, and politicians. Its creation was a direct response to the oppressive policies of Siad Barre’s regime against the Isaaq clan. Initially, the SNM’s aim was not to create an armed liberation front, but rather to address the harsh policies enacted by the Barre regime.

Escalation of Conflict

As the SNM grew in strength and numbers throughout the 1980s, it began to pose a more significant challenge to Barre’s government:

The organization established military bases in Ethiopia and launched guerrilla raids into northern Somalia.

SNM activities included assassinations of government officials, such as the regional National Security Service Chief in 1986.

In 1988, following a peace accord between Somalia and Ethiopia, the SNM was forced to relocate into Northern Somalia, leading to an escalation of the conflict.

Government Response and Genocide

The Barre regime’s response to SNM activities was brutal and disproportionate, ultimately leading to the Isaaq genocide:

The government created a mechanized unit called “Dabar Goynta Isaaqa” (The Isaaq Exterminators) to target Isaaq civilians.

Following SNM offensives, the military conducted sweeps of areas where incidents occurred, resulting in massacres, destruction of livestock, and other atrocities.

The government used the SNM’s influence to justify crimes against individuals affiliated with the Isaaq clan, even if they were not directly involved with the SNM.

Impact on Civilian Population

The conflict between the SNM and the Somali government had severe consequences for Isaaq civilians:

The government’s response to SNM activities led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Somalis, with about 450,000 fleeing to neighboring countries and 600,000 displaced within Somalia.

Cities like Hargeisa and Burao were largely destroyed by government forces in response to SNM operations.

SNM’s Military Success

Despite the government’s brutal tactics, the SNM ultimately gained control over much of northwestern Somalia:

By December 1989, the SNM had taken control of Hargeisa.

In the early 1990s, the SNM succeeded in capturing most major cities in northwestern Somalia, including regional capitals.

Conclusion

While the SNM’s activities were not the direct cause of the genocide, they were used by the Barre regime as a pretext for the systematic targeting and killing of Isaaq civilians. The conflict between the SNM and the government ultimately resulted in one of the worst civil wars in Africa and led to the collapse of the Somali state.