Somalia unsettled

This item appears on page 18 of the July 2008 issue.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry and other violent incidents can occur in many regions.

Unpredictable armed conflict among rival militias is prevalent in southern Somalia, particularly in and around Mogadishu, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Somali nationals and the displacement of nearly one million people. Regions in eastern Somaliland are subject to border disputes and inter-clan fighting.

Violent riots occurred recently in Mogadishu as thousands of civilians protested rising food prices and the devaluation of the Somali currency.

There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia.