November 17, 1994 - Somalia Public Inquiry - a podcast by Stephen Hammond

Defence Minister announces a public inquiry into Somalia Peacekeepers. The Canadian Airborne Regiment was modeled after the American Green Berets – an elite fighting force, ready for deployment during a time of war. In December 1992, Canada sent the Airborne Regiment and other soldiers to help the United States and United Nations keep the peace in Somalia after warlords ousted former President Mohamed Siad Barre from his East African country in 1991. However, in March of 1993, a 16-year-old Somali was beaten to death while attempting to steal supplies from the military. News of this death led to information about other killings, and exposed questionable military leadership and racism within the ranks. On November 17, 1994, Defense Minister David Collenette announced a public inquiry into Somalia incidents, aimed at determining whether there was a cover-up. The inquiry revealed a profound failure of leadership with “scandalously deficient” accountability. Investigators found that the chain of command had “failed utterly,” and discipline had been “alarmingly substandard.” The government completely disbanded the Airborne Regiment, believing the force was so tainted that it couldn’t be salvaged.

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