Somalia: Living with terror and violence

Nothing works in Somalia. It lacks authorities, public amenities, a banking system, a functioning army and proper law enforcement. Instead, Islamic militias carry out attacks and anarchy dominates life. Every year, the international community spends billions on aid, and yet the country is weaker than ever. Rather than benefiting citizens, the majority of the funding is either tied up in astronomical security costs or embezzled by a corrupt political class. It is estimated that less than twenty percent of the aid actually reaches its intended recipients. Despite the presence of the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the country lives under the rule of armed Islamists who take orders from Al-Qaeda.