Abstract

The article critically examines the historical and contemporary causes of the conflict in Somalia, highlighting six interrelated drivers: clan rivalry, foreign interventions, the rise of radical extremism, entrenched corruption, deep-rooted social inequalities, and widespread poverty and unemployment. Adopting a qualitative research approach and a case study design, the study employed sixteen Key Informant Interviews (KII) and two Focus Group Discussions (FGD) of ten participants each. Both primary and secondary data sources were analyzed thematically to capture the complexity and dynamics of the conflict in Somalia. Drawing on historical and contemporary perspectives, the study revealed how colonial legacies and weak governance structures facilitated the weaponization of clan rivalry, while international interventions further exacerbated internal divisions. The emergence of extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab has deepened the cycle of violence, exploiting governance failures and marginalization. Thus, there’s a need for multi-dimensional strategies that strengthen governance and inclusivity

Keywords: Unmasking, Historical, Contemporary, Causes, Conflict