In the wake of the Somalia Affair, the Canadian government moved quickly — not to ensure justice, but to control the damage. The Airborne Regiment was disbanded in disgrace. A public inquiry was launched, then abruptly shut down before it could expose the full truth. Politicians resigned. Evidence disappeared. And the military scrambled to protect its image. In Episode 3, we examine the calculated collapse of accountability: how the fallout was managed, who paid the price, and who walked away untouched.

In 1993, the Canadian Airborne Regiment was deployed to Somalia on a peacekeeping mission — but what unfolded was a brutal incident that shattered the illusion of military honour and exposed deep-rooted issues within the Canadian Forces. The torture and killing of Somali teenager Shidane Arone, and the disturbing images that followed, ignited national outrage, led to a public inquiry, and ultimately was a contributing factor to the disbanded an elite unit.

In this episode, we delve into the events of the Somalia Affair: what happened on the ground, who tried to cover it up, and how political and military leadership scrambled to control the fallout. Command and Controversy continues with a story of violence, silence, and the cost of unchecked power.

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[WITH AUDIO CLIPS FROM CBC ARCHIVES]

This is the story of how Canada built a military unit to project power — and how that same power turned inward, exposing fault lines in command, culture, and accountability.

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Command and Controversy is a limited-series investigative podcast that tells the true story of the Canadian Airborne Regiment: its creation, its celebrated status, and the shocking events that led to its disgrace and disbandment.

(C) Crime Squad Presents...