Greater Somalia War, the vision of uniting the various historically and predominantly Somali-inhabited areas of the Horn of Africa into a Greater Somalia was temporarily sidelined. Thousands of refugees have been granted political asylum in Kenya. Talk of pan-Somali unification movements for the moment took a backseat, as the Republic splintered into a few autonomous smaller regional or clan-based governing zones. The government of the secessionist region of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia has consistently attempted to break away from the Somali Republic and launched an unsuccessful though persistent campaign to seek recognition from international organizations and countries. Somaliland further clashed with Puntland
2009 timeline of the War in Somalia attacked government-held districts including Kaaraan, Shibis, Abdiaziz and Wardhigley, where the Villa Somalia presidential palace is located. In the newest fighting, 20 people were reported dead and 60 wounded. Fighting continues in Mogadishu's northern Yaaqshiid and Kaaraan districts. In the continuing fighting another 12 people are reported dead. Unknown gunmen attacked a minibus in the Al-Shabaab controlled Jowhar area. Two people were killed and more wounded. In the Middle Shabelle region clan militias clashed. Eight people were reported dead. ICU forces attacked al-Shabaab forces in the Mahaday district in the Middle Shabelle region. During the fighting eight people were killed.