Somalia: The Untold History 1941-1969

This study covers the period of time between 1941 and 1969 — almost three decades which undoubtedly represent a crucial time in Somalia’s history, not least for the remarkable events which took place in the country. For the purpose of historical analysis, book is divided in this period of time into three distinct phases. In the course of this period, the country came under the rule of three different administrations: British Military Administration, UN Trusteeship and, finally, an Independent Somali civilian administration. Each of these administrations, as it will be extensively explained, left its imprint not only on the country but also on the lives of its people. The study covers the long and difficult debates held at the United Nations, with particular emphasis on the conflicting positions and the Four Powers’ failure to reach consensus on the future of pre-war Italian colonies in Africa, which eventually resulted in the transfer of the issue to the General Assembly of the United Nations for final decision. An entire chapter is dedicated to the emergence of the first political movements in the territory, and their fierce competition for political primacy, leading at times to bloody confrontations.