In 1970 Mr Barre proclaimed a socialist state, paving the way for close relations with the USSR. In 1977, with the help of Soviet arms, Somalia attempted to seize the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, but was defeated thanks to Soviet and Cuban backing for Ethiopia, which had turned Marxist.

In 2000 clan elders and other senior figures appointed Abdulkassim Salat Hassan president at a conference in Djibouti. A transitional government was set up, with the aim of reconciling warring militias.In 1991 President Barre was overthrown by opposing clans. But they failed to agree on a replacement and plunged the country into lawlessness and clan warfare.

But as its mandate drew to a close, the administration had made little progress in uniting the country.

In 2004, after protracted talks in Kenya, the main warlords and politicians signed a deal to set up a new parliament, which later appointed a president.

The fledgling administration, the 14th attempt to establish a government since 1991, has faced a formidable task in bringing reconciliation to a country divided into clan fiefdoms.

Aar Maanta Releases a Protest Song About Somalis Detained at Airports
Disguised as a love song 'Deeqa' and her video highlight the injustice Somali people receive at airports around the globe.

Somali man charged in attack on artist
COPENHAGEN - An ax-wielding Somali man with suspected al-Qaida links was charged Saturday with two counts of attempted murder after breaking into the home of a Danish artist whose Prophet Muhammad cartoon outraged the Muslim world three years ago.

US African Chamber of Commerce Congratulates Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
The US African Chamber of Commerce congratulates Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who is leaving for the African Trade Summit.

Black Watch Examines Strategies to Safeguard Commerce from Somali Piracy
Piracy off the coast of East Africa is increasing the risk premium of shipping through these waters and threatening to reduce maritime traffic through the Red Sea. As naval forces try to secure this vital route, what risk mitigation strategies should shipping companies consider? Moreover, what is the current and future financial impact for the private sector and the global economy of Somali piracy?

USACC to the UN: 'Give Me A Break - Somali People Can Solve their Own Problems'
The USACC is the leading advocacy organization for U.S. African relations and emerging African markets.

USACC Says Somali Solutions Can Only Come from Somali People
The 15th meeting of the International Contact Group will be held in Rome from 9 - 10 June. The U.S. African Chamber of Commerce says Somali solutions can only come from the Somali people and that the U.N. needs to stop creating problems.

Where can I travel in Somali?
Somalia is not your average tourist destination but is strictly a place for travelers with a charmed life and a bullet proofed spirit due to the sporadic insecurity and inter-clan clashes. All in all, Somali contains some of the best sites to be discovered yet. Travel is possible in the northern districts of the self proclaimed Republic of Somaliland, but even the sturdiest of travelers should avoid visiting other areas. The turbulent past of the country hides a country with hugely varied landscape of mountains, deserts, tropical forests, undiscovered beaches and coral reefs along the Gulf of Aden. Located in East Africa, Somalia has a population of approximately 9.1 million people with Mogadishu being her capital. Somali and Arabic are the...

USACC President Comments on Piracy in Somalia
As Captain Richard Phillips testifies before a Senate panel regarding piracy in Somalia, U.S. African Chamber of Commerce President Martin Mohammed says any solution to Somali piracy must begin with the inclusion and involvement of the Somali people.