Media
The impact of media in the Somali Civil War
Media coverage has had a profound impact on the Somali war, turning both public opinion on the ground in Somalia and influencing the actions of foreign nations, namely the United States. Whilst footage of unprovoked attacks from the UN turned Somalis against foreign influence with violent outcomes, film of American corpses being dragged through the streets provoked America to withdraw.
Mogadishu seems at an uneasy peace, despite war and casualties, including 67 from the UN, within the last 4 months. The UN was criticised for its attack on civilians, but the local population have retaliated with force. "When the UN were passing this area they attacked civilians who had nothing to do with the war in Bakkara", says Mohamed Shafi, a SNA militiaman. "We burned this vehicle and killed two of the Americans." The role of video cameras in the political landscape here can be profound. Somali CNN amateur cameraman Ahmed Hassan took pictures of dead and captured Americans, which have been deemed instrumental in America's about-turn. "I'd be very happy if my pictures help to change the situation, and push the Somali situation towards peace", says Hassan. However Ali Mahdi, the self-styled Somali President, fears a different outcome. "We are sure that if the US pulls out its troops, Somalis will go back to disaster, starvation and death."
A film by Mark Stucke.
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