Somalia
This category contains the public monuments and memorials which have been erected to commemorate the United Nations mission in Somalia from 9 December 1992 to 4 May 1993.
In 2011 Somalia was ranked as the world’s most troubled state. Over twenty years of war between clan-based militia have led to chronic levels of refugees and internally displaced people, widespread lawlessness due to the virtual non-existence of either the rule of law or legitimate security apparatus, and the progressive deterioration of public services and economic infrastructure. What began as a United Nations mission to monitor a ceasefire between warring militias, soon became a desperate battle to prevent an imminent humanitarian disaster.
The Australian Army’s 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) was deployed to the town of Baidoa about 240 kilometres north-west of Mogadishu in January 1993. As the centre of non-government organisation (NGO) operations for the area, banditry and warlord intimidation were rife, with the area becoming known as the ‘city of death’.
Almost 1500 Australians served in Somalia from 1992 to 1994. Four were wounded or injured and one Australian soldier, Lance Corporal Shannon McAliney of the Royal Australian Infantry, was killed during patrol on 2 April 1993.
Click here to perform a specific search on the `Conflict - Somalia` Sub Theme
