What appeared to be reason for cautious optimism in the wake of news this week that Somalia's Gen. Mohamed Farrah Aidid has died melted quickly into renewed concerns.
The appointment of his son, Hussein Mohamed Aidid, as successor to leadership of his father's violent faction caused warring factions to call off a cease-fire. It was a disastrous move for the future of the war-torn nation. The younger Aidid, who, ironically, spent two weeks in Somalia as part of the U.S. troop contingent that eventually began hunting his father, has vowed to continue destructive policies.The elder Aidid was the man largely responsible for the violence that disintegrated the country of 8 million into a collection of fighting factions with no central government - a condition that led to the most disastrous United Nations peacekeeping mission in recent memory. His forces were responsible for killing 18 U.S. soldiers, including one whose body was dragged through the streets.
Americans left the small African nation shortly after that, and the U.N. soon followed. Most people considered the situation in Somalia utterly hopeless so long as Aidid held power and strongly resisted peace efforts.
His death still could signal a change. His son does not have to continue the violence. Surely, the younger Aidid's experience with American forces should give him the perspective to understand what is needed to bring peace to the country. And his experience in the United States (he is a naturalized U.S. citizen) ought to have taught him that the rule of law is the only path toward prosperity.
Even without Aidid's faction, the prospects for peace are uncertain. Two other major faction leaders remain. One is Ali Mahdi Mohamed, who controls the northern half of Mogadishu. The other is Ali Atto, who had been struggling against Aidid for control of the southern half.
But the factions may find room for compromise - if the younger Aidid goes along. Their willingness to enter a cease fire after the elder Aidid's death was a sign of their desire to end hostilities.
Americans won't be called again to help this nation, nor should they. But, for the sake of the millions suffering in Somalia, Americans should hope that the younger Aidid has learned enough common sense to back away from his belligerent statements.