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18 November 2008

Somalia update

Things are going from bad to worse in Somalia, a country racked by chaos for 17 years. Just days ago, the president admitted that the Somali government is on the 'verge of total collapse.'

Islamist extremists have been steadily seizing control of port cities around the country and are now only miles away from the capital Mogadishu. And last month a 13-year-old girl was stoned to death for adultery after complaining she was raped by three men.

And the seas around the country are now the most treacherous in the world: bands of Somali pirates have attacked over 85 ships this year – last weekend a massive Saudi oil tanker was seized and is currently being held for ransom.


Guests

Ken Menkhaus
Professor of political science at Davidson College

Story Researcher and Producer

Sasha Fegan

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