Somali National Alliance facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Somali National Alliance
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| Abbreviation | SNA |
| Commander/leader | Mohamed Farrah Aidid, Hussein Farrah Aidid |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Dissolved | 2002 |
| Split from | United Somali Congress |
| Merged into | Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council |
| Headquarters | Mogadishu |
| Ideology | Hawiyes' interests Anti-communism Anti-Siad Barre Islamism Somali nationalism Greater Somalia |
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
The Somali National Alliance (often called SNA) was a group of political and rebel organizations in Somalia. It was formed in June 1992. The SNA brought together four different groups that were against the rule of Somalia's leader, Siad Barre.
These groups included a part of the United Somali Congress (USC), the Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM), the Somali Southern National Movement (SSNM), and the Somali Democratic Movement (SDM). The SNA became a major player in the Somali Civil War. They are well-known for their clashes with the United Nations (UN) forces in 1993.
After their leader, General Mohammed Farah Aidid, passed away in 1996, his son, Hussein Mohamed Farah Aidid, took charge of the SNA. The SNA later became a key part of the Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SRRC). This council was formed in 2001. Eventually, it joined the official Somali government in 2004.
How the SNA Started
In 1992, the army of Siad Barre tried to take back Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. They had been forced out by the United Somali Congress the year before. But the USC, SPM, SSNM, and SDM worked together. They called themselves the Somali Liberation Army.
They successfully defended Mogadishu and pushed Barre's remaining troops out of southern Somalia. This happened on June 16, 1993. After this success, these groups decided to form a political union. This union became known as the Somali National Alliance.
General Mohammed Farah Aidid was chosen as the leader of the SNA. He was also the head of one of the two groups within the United Somali Congress. General Aidid tried to get other rebel groups to join the SNA. However, he was not successful in convincing them. This left his rival, Ali Mahdi, isolated.
Key Leaders of the SNA
The Somali National Alliance had important leaders who guided its actions.
- Mohamed Farrah Aidid: He was the first main leader of the SNA. He led the group from 1991 until his death in 1996.
- Hussein Mohamed Farah Aidid: After his father, Mohamed Farrah Aidid, passed away, Hussein took over as the leader in 1996. He continued to lead the SNA until 1997.
These leaders played a big role in the SNA's history and its involvement in the Somali Civil War.
Images for kids
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See also
In Spanish: Alianza Nacional Somalí para niños
