Factionalized elites  can be defined as the splintering of a nation into political groups that promote rhetoric and actions that are harmful to the country. It’s a key factor when it comes to determining whether a country is a “failed state”. African countries like Sudan and Somalia are well known for having trouble with factionalized elites. Numerous parties vying for power,  make for an incredible unstable environment. Somalia is number one on the failed state index, and this is in large part due to the factionalized elites operating within the country. Somalia has several governments operating within it’s borders, making for an often chaotic environment. This instability has led to large portions of Somalia’s population being displaced. The 2006-2009 occupation by Ethiopian forces was an attempt to bring peace and stability, but instead Ethiopian forces largely seemed yet another group adding to the volatility of the mix.