“Despite renewed hope in the future of Somalia, post-transition efforts towards peace and stability in this country face numerous challenges. This situation report notes that progress will be defined by the
dynamics surrounding the strengths or weaknesses of the new Somali Federal Government (SFG), the rapidly adapting al-Qaeda-linked Islamist al-Shabaab and the success or failure of international support
in the pursuit of peace. The emerging perception among sections of the Somali population as well as the international community of a weak and weakening Somali central government constitutes one of the
most challenging developments, with far-reaching implications for the collective push for peace in the country. This situation report proposes that efforts should be aimed at strengthening the government, since its performance is central to any realistic progress in the country.”
