Somalia Faces a Critical Junction: Reflections on Elections and Unity – Part 1

As the clock ticks down to Somalia’s presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2026, the nation once again finds itself at a significant crossroads. In just twelve months, a myriad of uncertainties hangs precariously over the political landscape. Deepening political divisions threaten to pull us apart, while the rules governing the electoral process remain frustratingly ambiguous. In the shadow of rising insecurity and international partners who are showing signs of fatigue after years of engagement, it’s little wonder that confidence in the electoral process is steadily dwindling. With the specter of state collapse looming ever closer, Somali citizens are painfully reminded of the tumultuous past we have collectively endured. At this critical juncture, Somalia stands at a perilous crossroads.

Meanwhile, Somali leaders seem ensnared in disputes over how the upcoming vote should be conducted. Will the long-awaited transition to direct suffrage finally materialize, or will we regress to the clan-based, indirect electoral system that has long dominated our political culture? Yet, the questions that demand our attention extend far beyond procedural details. More significantly, we must examine not only how we vote but why we vote. What aspirations drive us in this electoral process? What kind of leadership is essential for guiding Somalia away from the familiar cycles of crisis and compromise, and toward a brighter future anchored in justice, dignity, and a shared national vision? This moment requires more than adept political maneuvering; it calls for deep and collective introspection—a comprehensive assessment of our identity as a nation and our shared path ahead.

A Call to Conscience: Why This Moment Matters for All Somalis

This moment, whether we participate in the vote or not, whether we support or oppose the federal government, is crucial for every Somali, regardless of where we reside—from Mogadishu to North Western State of Somalia, Northeastern State, or regions beyond the federal government’s influence. Some individuals view the current administration as illegitimate and foreign-backed, while others perceive it as an essential institution grappling with impossibly tight constraints. Regardless of our views, the occupant of Villa Somalia remains a significant player in shaping our collective destiny. Their choices—and even their indecisions—will have far-reaching implications for every citizen across our nation.

Reflecting on our tumultuous history and taking lessons from nations like Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq, we see a striking truth: leadership in vulnerable states can either guide societies toward meaningful transitions or plunge them deeper into chaos. Leadership can pave pathways toward stability or exacerbate instability, foster unity or fuel division, become a beacon of hope or trigger profound despair. This article is not about endorsing specific candidates or electoral frameworks. Instead, it serves as a clarion call for conscience—a plea for us to break free from the cycles of loyalty based solely on personality. It invites us to confront the hard-hitting questions we often sidestep: What is the real state of our nation? What kind of leadership do we genuinely need—ethically, strategically, and morally—to heal and move forward? This is a call for every Somali, regardless of political affiliation, to pause, reflect, and contemplate the kind of nation we yearn to build for future generations.

Understanding the Cycle We’re In

For the past three decades, the Somali populace has endured the trials of state collapse, civil conflict, splintered authority, foreign interventions, and fragile peace agreements. Despite brief interludes of calm, we find ourselves ensnared in a cycle that only compounds our crises:

• Conflicted issues remain unresolved, merely mutating into new forms.
• Reconciliation efforts often lack genuine ownership, orchestrated by elites while the public remains a passive observer.
• Marginalized communities and youth face steep economic hardships.
• Rampant corruption has eroded public trust, normalizing unethical behavior within our society.
• Compassion and communal solidarity are waning, leaving countless Somalis feeling isolated and disconnected.
• A diminished sense of collective identity has caused a shift toward transactional loyalties and intensified local politics.
• The process of state-building has stagnated, with institutions often designed for appearances rather than effectiveness.
• Fluctuating geopolitical dynamics further introduce uncertainty into our national planning.

These conditions foster instability and deepen national fatigue, confusion, and despair.

Reconciliation Is Not a Ceremony—It’s a Covenant

The essence of true reconciliation transcends mere elite summits or symbolic gestures. It rests on creating a moral, social, and political covenant among citizens—an agreement on how we coexist, respect each other, and pursue a shared future. This is what political philosophers term a social contract. Absent such a foundational agreement, governance cannot attain legitimacy. Legal frameworks don’t emerge in isolation; they develop from shared societal norms and values. If we can’t agree on what justice signifies in our unique context, how can we construct just laws? Governance must anchor itself on a clear social contract that we need to rejuvenate and rebuild—from the ground up to the highest echelons of authority.

The Leader Somalia Needs—and the Work That Awaits

The intricate challenges confronting Somalia require a distinctive type of leadership—not just seasoned politicians, but visionaries with intellectual, moral, and spiritual clarity. What Somalia desperately requires now includes:

• A visionary capable of synthesizing Somalia’s myriad realities into a coherent framework.
• A diplomatic leader who can foster genuine dialogue and heal divisions through true consultations, rather than clandestine agreements.
• An innovative reformer who designs systems reflective of our society, rather than imitating foreign models.
• A dedicated servant leader focused on laying foundations for future generations, rather than pursuing personal gain.
• A figure who resonates hope by articulating a collective vision that actively engages citizens.
• Above all, a moral leader committed to reinstating trust, compassion, and civic responsibility as guiding principles for Somali public life.

Such a leader must cultivate not merely institutions but also revive our moral imagination, inspiring citizens to believe in a purpose greater than mere survival or clan allegiance. They must address the normalization of corruption and societal cynicism, leading by example—transparent, accountable, trustworthy, and compassionate. Only through these actions can social trust be rebuilt and hope rekindled. These aspirations cannot remain mere rhetoric; they must become the pulse of governance, actively practiced in every decision—integrated into a national roadmap and collective vision.

A Spiritual Responsibility

Ultimately, only Allah embodies the essence of power, truth, and guidance. In these uncertain times, our most sacred obligation is both civic and spiritual. We must reflect honestly, provide wise counsel, and, above all, pray—for a just leader guided by taqwa (God-consciousness), adl (justice), rahma (compassion), and hikmah (wisdom)—a leader who fosters unity and reforms systems, focusing on ethical practices over superficial discourse. A leader who aims for divine approval rather than mere political survival. This leader must recognize that history is shaped not solely by triumphs but also by selfless vision, humility, and unwavering service.

Elections Are Not Just a Political Choice—They Are a National Mirror

We stand on the brink of a defining moment. Somalia needs more than just elections; it craves profound introspection. More than a government, it requires genuine governance. More than a candidate, it seeks a national covenant.

Let’s not allow this political season to devolve into mere side-taking; let’s use it as an opportunity to elevate our conversations. The act of choosing our leaders must transcend debates over federalism or regional tensions. It is a decision that intricately weaves into the fabric of our society—our social contract, our collective identity, and our shared way of life. Now is the time for sincere national reflection, honest discourse, and moral clarity. Our collective future demands nothing less. May Allah, the Most Wise and Just, guide us toward mercy, unity, and peace. Ameen.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring.

Khaalid X. Hassan X. Mahamuud (Gadhweyne) is an economist with over 15 years of experience in institutional reform, local governance, and inclusive economic growth across the Horn of Africa.