Without those things, the doomsayers' predictions may indeed come true, but for far different reasons than those specified. Unfortunately, the planners at the United Nations Population Fund have yet to learn the main lesson of the 20th century. I was most recently in Somalia for four weeks in August and September 1996. Here are a few of my observations. The markets are full of goods.
Currency markets operate efficiently.
Exchange rates between the Somali shilling and a dozen foreign currencies are published daily. Private schools and hospitals are opening up throughout Mogadishu. Teachers and medical practitioners are being paid by parents and patients. There are now two competing phone systems in the city. In northern Somalia, calls are made via Sprint.