Africa is full of stunning locations that people from across the world flock to see. But some places on the continent are also politically unstable and violent, and tourists are well advised to avoid them. One of these is Somalia, where conflict has been raging since the collapse of its government in 1991. After the overthrow of President Siad Barre, a power vacuum led to a civil war erupting between an array of factions, including the Somali National Movement (SNM) and forces in support of the government.

Later, groups like al-Shabaab, an extremist Salafi Jihadist military and political group that aims to impose its version of Islamic law on the state and overthrow the government, got involved. Outside actors have also intervened, including the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations. The UNOSOM mission established in 1992 aimed to restore peace and provide humanitarian aid in Somalia. It later evolved into UNOSOM II, which had a broader mission to establish a secure environment for aid delivery and promote peace.

In addition, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) deployed troops to Somalia to support the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and counter al-Shabaab.

Today, the primary conflict is between the Somali government and the militant group, but also includes other groups and clan militias.

These include Hizbul Islam, a former Islamic group that fought against al-Shabaab, and the Dhulbahante clan.

The Washington Institute says that the Islamic State (IS) is “underscoring the strategic significance of Somalia in its expansionist agenda”.

This includes establishing Somalia as a “pivotal base for its global jihadist network”.

Experts warn that this activity means that neighboring countries like Kenya and Ethiopia are “directly affected”, as “jihadist expansion threatens regional stability and maritime security”.

Militants are thought to be hiding deep in the mountains of north eastern Somalia.

Less than two weeks into his new term, US President Donald Trump said he had targeted a senior IS attack planner and others in Puntland - a semi-autonomous region of the African state - and "destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians".

Somalia’s rich cultural heritage and history and natural beauty means that, if the war were not happening, it most likely would be a major tourism hub.

The country boasts a long coastline with beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and national parks.

There are also ancient ruins, mosques, and other architectural marvels waiting to be explored.

The Laas Geel Cave Paintings, for example, are believed to be more than 5,000 years old and are considered to be some of the best-preserved cave paintings in Africa, according to the Global Diversity Hub.

Despite the chaos caused by warfare, Somalia’s government still has a department of tourism.

It says on its website: “We enable an environment where people can visit and enjoy the diversity of Somalia.

“Of late Somalia has prioritised the advancement in winning the confidence of tourists to come and explore the ancient history and vast experience.”

Current advice from the Foreign Office to Brits reads: “FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including the three eastern regions of Somaliland – Togdheer, Sanaag and Sool – and excluding the three western regions of Somaliland – Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil.

“This is due to the threat from terrorist groups and continuing violence.”

Officials add: “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the three western regions of Somaliland – Awdal (including Boorama), Maroodijeh (including Hargeisa) and Sahil (including Berbera).”