This study mainly attempted to critically analyze the underlying causes of the civil war in Somalia, taking the Horn of Africa as a background. It focuses on identifying the primary and secondary actors in the Somalia conflict, examining the role of external actors such as Ethiopia both in the civil war and in the process of conflict resolution efforts. It also covers the political, economic and military interests of neighboring countries in Somalia, including Ethiopia and others.The methods employed were interviews and focus group discussions. The diplomats of Somalia in Ethiopia (both Somalia and Somaliland Diplomatic Mission), and ordinary individuals of the Somali origin residing in Ethiopia, the African Union (AU) officials, academicians and researchers, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) officials and concerned organs from Ethiopian government, the diplomats of other concerned countries that have stake in Somalia were involved. This information was triangulated so as to avoid bias and strength the findings of the work.