Ogaden region has been a source of conflict between which countries?

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Q: 79 (IAS/2008)
Ogaden region has been a source of conflict between which countries?

question_subject: 

General Knowledge

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,34,30,12,13,5,34

keywords: 

{'ogaden region': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'angola': [1, 0, 2, 3], 'ethiopia': [0, 0, 2, 1], 'morocco': [2, 0, 2, 9], 'algeria': [0, 0, 2, 0], 'cameroon': [0, 0, 1, 1], 'nigeria': [1, 0, 0, 0], 'zambia': [1, 0, 4, 5], 'somalia': [0, 0, 3, 4], 'countries': [1, 0, 2, 6], 'conflict': [0, 0, 5, 3]}

The correct answer is Option 4: Ethiopia and Somalia.

The Ogaden region, also known as the Somali Region, has been a source of conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia. Here`s a detailed reasoning to support this answer:

1. Historical Context:

The Ogaden region is primarily inhabited by ethnic Somalis, and historically, it has had cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with Somalia. The region was predominantly Somali-inhabited when Ethiopia incorporated it into its territory in 1954. This integration was met with resistance from the local Somali population, leading to ongoing tensions.

2. The Ogaden War (1977-1978):

The most significant conflict over the Ogaden region occurred during the Ogaden War between Ethiopia and Somalia. The war started when Somalia, under the leadership of President Siad Barre, sought to regain control over the Ogaden region, which it considered part of "Greater Somalia." Somalia received support from several Arab countries, including Egypt and Libya, while Ethiopia received aid from the Soviet Union and Cuba. The conflict resulted in a military intervention by Somalia but ended in a decisive victory for Ethiopia.

3. Ongoing Tensions:

Even after the Ogaden War, tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia persisted over the status of the Ogaden region. Somalia has continued to claim the region as part of its territory, and the issue has been a recurring point of contention between the two countries. However, direct military conflicts between Ethiopia and Somalia have not escalated to the same scale as the Ogaden War.

4. Insurgency and Border Disputes:

Since the 1990s, the Ogaden region has been marked by the presence of various Somali insurgent groups, such as the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). These groups have fought for greater autonomy and self-determination for the region, leading to clashes with the Ethiopian government forces. Border disputes have also arisen, with accusations from both sides regarding incursions and territorial claims.

In conclusion, the Ogaden region has been a source of conflict primarily between Ethiopia and Somalia. The historical, cultural, and territorial factors, coupled with the Ogaden War and ongoing tensions, make Option 4 the correct answer.