Islamic Courts Union assumes control

The Islamic Courts Union (ICU) emerged as a significant force in Somalia, taking control of large portions of the southern region. This period was marked by the implementation of Shari'a law, which aimed to restore order in a country that had been plagued by civil war and lawlessness for over a decade. The ICU was initially formed as a coalition of Shari'a courts that sought to provide justice and security in the absence of a functioning central government. During its brief rule, the ICU managed to reduce crime rates and improve local governance, which garnered support from many Somalis who had long suffered from the chaos of warlord rule. The period is often described by top UN officials as a 'Golden era' in Somali politics, highlighting the relative stability and peace that the ICU brought to the region, albeit temporarily. However, this control was met with resistance from various factions, including the Transitional Federal Government and foreign interests, leading to military interventions that ultimately destabilized the region once again. The ICU's influence and the subsequent conflict have had lasting implications for Somalia's political landscape, contributing to ongoing struggles for power and governance in the country.