The Irish soldiers in the midst of the deadly Somalian crisis of the early 1990s.

In 1992, President Mary Robinson visited Somalia. After three days of visiting camps and meeting starving people, she broke down and wept at a press conference in neighbouring Kenya.

After this visit – and that of David Andrews – Ireland committed to contribute a transport company to the UNOSOM.

In 1990 a loose association of Somali clans ousted President Siad Barre from power in the strategically placed East African country, which dominates the entrance to the Red Sea. Vicious inter-clan fighting led to the deaths of 30,000 Somalis died in addition to an estimated 200,000 who died as a result of famine. UNOSOM was established  in 1992 but the strength of the initial force was inadequate.

In September 1993, the Irish contingent flew in and based themselves at Camp Shannon in Baidoa, 177 miles from Mogadishu. Their main task was ferrying supplies for the brigade in the Baidoa region.

The weekly ‘Mog run’ to Mogadishu, where all supplies arrived, was a dangerous affair. Even in the wak of an October 1993 ceasefire attacks aimed at capturing vehicles, arms or food were still a regular feature of life in Somalia.

In September 1994, the Irish contingent withdrew from the mission. This documentary is about the Irish soldiers in Baidoa.

Produced by Treasa Davison.

First broadcast 17th March 1994.

An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries