Somalia: Road to Somewhere

Somalia not only produces fine leopard skins but the bulk of the world's frankincense and myrrh. That about takes care of its distinctions. Hardly more than a stretch of East African desert, the country is sun-scorched and poor and was, until recently, hopeless as well. At last, though, someone in Somalia has decided to do something about the country's parlous state. Premier Mohammed Ibrahim Egal, 39, who took office only nine months ago, has created the most hopeful atmosphere since Somalia won independence in 1960 simply by facing up to problems that everyone else had long ignored. This...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!