Somalia is a country beset by violence, instability and famine. Ranked 161 out of 163 countries on the Human Development Index and without an effective government since 1991, clan politics dominate this so-called "failed state". The humanitarian crisis has reached record levels in recent months, exacerbated by the global food crisis and the constant danger that aid agencies face in distributing food.
With wars and insurgencies raging internally and externally, at least fifteen national reconciliation conferences have been convened since 1991. Yet the current Transition Federal Government (TFG) is struggling to bring the peace and stability that Somalia so badly needs and only has effective control over parts of the country.
What is the future of this war-ravaged and poverty-stricken country and what are its chances for an effective government? And what can be done to ensure that a humanitarian crisis on a massive scale is avoided and that Somalia remains open to aid workers and international assistance?
Chaired by Martin Plaut (BBC)
Speakers include:
Ioan Lewis (LSE and author)
Awale Kullane (New Somali Youth League)
Tom Quinn (MSF)
Khadija Ali by skype (Somali peace activist)
Juliana Ruhfus (Al Jazeera)
Entrance for this event is £10.
For more information and for online booking, please click here to visit the Frontline Club web site.