Part 2 The Post-Cold War Era (1990–2000), 40 The Intervention in Somalia—1992–95

Subject(s):

Precedent — International organizations — UN Charter — Use of force, war, peace and neutrality

This chapter examines the 1992-1995 intervention of the United Nations and the United States in Somalia. It sets out the facts and context of the crisis, the positions of the main protagonists (UN, US and Somalia) as well as the reactions of third states and international organisations. The chapter then discusses several questions regarding the legality of the intervention under the jus ad bellum. It first looks at the legal basis of the intervention under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and the place of peace enforcement operations within that framework. It then analyses the types of mandates and their execution in the Somalian operations and lastly, it draws conclusions on the precedential value of the intervention for future UN collective operations.