SUMMARY

The antagonism between Colonel Omar Jess and his [Forces)(/#actor/965) on one side and the SPM (Somali Patriotic Movement) and its leader General Gabiyo on the other goes back to 1992 when the former broke away from the latter and created the SPM/SNA (Somali Patriotic Movement/Somali National Alliance). This break followed an attempt by the two other strongmen within SPM, General Gabiyo, and General Morgan, to side-line Omar Jess. (for further information, see the SPM – SPM/SNA conflict).

Until the mid-1990s, Colonel Omar Jess fought in various ways and while holding different positions against the SPM. With the end of Muhammad Farah Aydid´s government, Omar Jess’s presence in the political landscape of Somalia faded, yet he remained an active figure in southern Somalia. What exactly triggered the outbreak of violence between the two groups in 2000 is unknown, but it is likely to be linked to the general political development in Somalia at that time. After years of chaos and lack of a recognized government, negotiations took place during late 1999 and 2000 aiming at restoring order in the country. This process resulted in the establishment of a government under Abdulkassim Salat Hassan in the second half of 2000, which later on was challenged by different rebel groups, ultimately leading to new chaos and violence in the country. Nevertheless, in 2000 the prospects of political stability were relatively good, and it is likely that SPM and Omar Jess started to struggle for influence and power in the soon to be established government.

The non-state conflict between SPM and the Forces of Omar Jess is first included in UCDP data in 2000. In February of that year fighting between the two groups resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.