Back when Somalia first dipped its toes into federalism, there was real hope in the air—an honest chance to stitch our country back together after endless chaos and strife. The idea of empowering regions, sharing power wisely, and acknowledging local priorities seemed a promising path. Yet, here we are, more fragmented than united.
If we’re to grasp why federalism collapsed, we’ve got to see Somalia for what it is, not just some textbook example of a system that works great in places like Germany or the USA. We ain’t those countries. We share a common tongue, faith, and cultural history. Not being torn by ethnic or language barriers doesn’t justify an awkward federal system. But here we are, shoving ourselves into a template that threatens to widen the very fissures of clan rivalry we’ve been battling for ages.
Our federalism is not merely lacking; it’s straight-up nonsensical. Instead of mimicking a typical structure with a potent central authority allied with orderly regions, we’ve got a jumbled assembly of clan zones, each led by figures acting like mini-heads of state, ignoring Mogadishu except when convenient. These local chiefs run their own game, broker deals, and jostle for leverage, leaving the central leadership in the lurch. How’s a nation ever going to mesh seamlessly when every regional czar plays king?
This quagmire wasn’t born out of thoughtful planning. It sprang from the bedlam that surfaced post-Siad Barre’s downfall. As his regime evaporated, warlords sliced the country into possessions. Federalism floated on the table as a makeshift band-aid to restore stability and appease these overlords with shares of the spoils. What was a temporary fix is now a persistent migraine.
Let’s reflect on January 2024, when Ethiopia went behind our backs, striking a deal with North Western State of Somalia for a naval base without a word to Mogadishu. Why? Because they see our federal arrangement as futile. Doing direct business with North Western State of Somalia, Ethiopia underscored how feeble our central system is—an open invitation for foreign players to bypass and make merry with regional factions. This is a plain attack on our sovereignty.
Increasingly alarming is how others, like Al-Shabaab, exploit this mess. These ruthless adversaries thrive amid our fractured state, while regions are engrossed in power struggles. They realize we’re too splintered to truly push back with force.
The sad truth? We could’ve steered clear of this path. Ours isn’t a tale of disparate groups struggling to get along. Our shared identity—language, faith, and culture—should’ve made unity straightforward. Alas, we’ve birthed a scene where rogue leaders flex superiority. It’s the everyday Somali civilians desperate for peace who pay the price. We need a full-blown reboot.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent victories against Al-Shabaab prove that organized central governance can enact transformative change. His offensives have clawed back territories and sowed hope, but these gains are mere flashes unless we tackle the root glitch: our degenerate system.
The clock is ticking for a mighty central government that advocates for all Somalis, a governance body that acts without regional nods. This isn’t about silencing local voices but fashioning a functional nation. Regional bodies don’t need dissolution; they require reevaluation. Goodbye to this makeshift clan-federalism that’s shackled us for eons. It’s time to scrap this setup and forge one that serves us all.
A widespread dialogue is essential, bringing together everyone—locals, regional chiefs, civil society—for talks on our preferred state structure. Plus, our constitution needs a thorough makeover, purging contradictions and loopholes fueling dysfunction. Laws detailing power distribution must be clear, minimizing room for opportunistic maneuvers. Institutions must enforce these charters—backed by a committed civil service and a security force loyal to our nation before clans.
No regime is flawless, I’ll admit; yet what we’ve got is more than flawed—it’s perilous. Federalism hasn’t bridged gaps; it’s widened them. If left unaltered, it’ll only drag us deeper. Sticking with a design cracked from inception is not an option. Let’s reset and nurture a fresh system valuing unity over trivial clan politics.
Our destiny hinges on our ability to unite under a singular government. Only through this can we guard our land, rebuild our homeland, and lock in lasting peace. Let’s turn over this chapter and tackle the tough mission of crafting a united, sturdy Somalia poised for the challenges ahead.
Abdullahi Hassan Mohamed (Samoow)
samoow@somedomain.com
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
