As an expert in international relations and political history, I have been studying the intricacies of state stability and collapse for many years. One of the most complex cases in this regard is that of Somalia, a country that has been grappling with internal conflict and state failure for several decades. The question of when Somalia became a failed state is not one with a straightforward answer, as it involves a nuanced understanding of the political, social, and economic factors that have contributed to its current situation.

Somalia gained independence from Italy in 1960, and for the next two decades, it experienced a relatively stable period under the leadership of President Aden Abdullah Osman Dar, followed by President Siad Barre. However, the seeds of instability were sown early on, with clan-based politics and regional disparities contributing to underlying tensions.

The civil war in Somalia began in the late 1980s, escalating into a full-blown conflict by the early 1990s. This period marked a significant turning point for the country, as the central government's authority rapidly deteriorated. The **overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991** is often cited as the moment when Somalia became a failed state. This event led to a power vacuum and the subsequent disintegration of the state's institutions, including the military, judiciary, and civil service.

The absence of a functioning central government allowed for the rise of various warlords and armed factions, which further exacerbated the situation. The lack of a unified leadership and the ongoing conflict led to a humanitarian crisis, with widespread violence and poverty affecting the civilian population. The international community's response was initially limited, and when it did intervene, it often faced challenges due to the complex nature of the conflict and the lack of a clear partner on the ground.

The United Nations attempted to intervene in the early 1990s through Operation Restore Hope, but the mission was fraught with difficulties. The UN's efforts were undermined by the continued fighting among the factions, and the withdrawal of international forces in 1995 left a vacuum that was quickly filled by the resumption of conflict.

In the years that followed, Somalia has seen a number of attempts to establish a functioning government, but these have been met with limited success. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was established in 2004, but it struggled to exert control over the entire country due to the ongoing presence of the Islamist group Al-Shabaab and other factions.

The situation in Somalia is further complicated by the country's geographical location and its proximity to key shipping routes, which has made it a focal point for regional and international powers. The involvement of countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States in the conflict has added another layer of complexity to the situation.

In conclusion, while the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991 is a significant milestone in Somalia's descent into state failure, it is important to recognize that the process was a gradual one, influenced by a multitude of factors. The country's path to recovery will require not only the establishment of a stable and inclusive government but also the resolution of deep-rooted issues such as clan rivalries, economic disparities, and the legacy of violence.

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Somalia has been torn by conflict for most of its 48 years of independence. But the implosion of the state itself came in 1991 when President Mohammed Siad Barre was overthrown.Nov 18, 2008read more >>