Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 64-72)

ii ABSTRACT Since the past three decades Somalia has been experiencing severe internal security challenges, a situation that has contributed to the instability in the Horn region. The inability of the states to manage their respective internal security challenges makes the region unstable. The study analyzes how does the instability in Somalia impacted on the security of the Horn of Africa. It is used a descriptive study approach for the study. In doing so, the study found that the study found that the root cause of Somalia conflict are; politicization of clan identity, rivalry between factions for political leadership and resources, regime failures and ineffectiveness, partition of Somali territories in the horn Africa. Furthermore, the study reveals that, the vacuum created by the Somalia central government has now been filled up by various armed militias struggling for power. This has therefore created room for proliferation of arms that has heightened militarization of different groups in Somalia and spreading across to the Horn region making the region unstable. Despite the efforts of the international organizations, regional actors toward managing the security situations in Somalia and the Horn region, the challenge persisted. The study concludes that the insecurity and violence in Somalia has created a breeding ground for armed groups and militias in the Horn of Africa. Key regional players have been backing different groups based on their vested interests thereby having security implications on the region. The Somalia situation has been undermining various attempts made by international and regional organizations to manage persisted instability in the Horn region of Africa.