UN peacekeepers left in 1994,and  clan based factions still battle for control of territory. Famine is an ever present problem, as well as difficulty distributing food aid because of the fighting. Somalis have made some attempts at restoring law and order. In the north, two regions have declared themselves independent (Somaliland and Puntland.) Here, the locals have imposed order and attempted, without much success, to get international recognition of their independence. In the south, Islamic Court militias have been created, with the objective of imposing Islamic law and controlling the banditry (with some success) and clan feuds (with less success.)