ocr: The clan system is at the root of all social,political and commercial issues in Somalia. Shitting allegiances characterize its structure - a tendency stitled by Siad Barre's dictatorship but revived after his fall in 1991. His undermining ofthe traditional brokers ofjustice, the elders, contributedto the present power vacuum, while his persec cution ofthe Issaqs ledto Somaliland's secession in 1991.However, the entire population is ethnic Somali and national - identity remais strong; widespread opposition to the US-led UN: peace-keeping force reflects this.
