Introduction
In 1991, a seismic shift occurred in Somalia as the central government crumbled, leaving institutions weakened and unable to foster public trust or combat corruption effectively. Imagine a country where the infrastructure to safeguard public resources is near non-existent. It’s challenging, isn’t it? This absence further aggravated Somalia’s struggle for recovery, notably hindering the provision of essential public services. As civil war raged on, regional administrations emerged, stepping in to fill the leadership and service void.
Somalia’s journey toward peace and redevelopment is a tumultuous road filled with conflict and systemic hurdles. Public institutions, including prized offices like the Auditor General and the Central Bank—traditionally champions of transparency—have been ravaged, laying Somalia bare to corruption and insecurity. Can a nation plagued by these challenges ever regain its footing?
“Good governance is central to creating and sustaining an environment which fosters strong and equitable development,” as the World Bank articulated in 1992. It remains a timeless truth.
One past attempt to rejuvenate Somalia’s governance was the 2000 Arta Conference, which brought about the Transitional National Government (TNG), based on a 4.5 power-sharing formula. Yet, a lack of legitimacy and pervasive international interference derailed these efforts, confining influence largely to Mogadishu. It’s a story of political actors swayed to maintain conflict, tapping into its resultant revenue streams.
In 2004, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) aimed high, embracing federalism and breathing life back into crucial institutions. Yet, their tenure was marred by contentious battles with Al-Shabaab for control over southern Somalia. Nevertheless, the 2012 adoption of the Provisional Constitution ahead of federal elections was a landmark advance. Paradoxically, the 4.5 formula was cemented as a legitimate power-sharing model.
Challenges still abound—political fragmentation, relentless corruption, and a looming extremist threat. Weak governance mechanisms further augment these obstacles. How can a nation blossom when its transparency institutions falter?
Meaningful public accountability and transparency institutions are pillars for re-establishing law and trust in government actions. Today’s Somalia must grapple with enhancing these structures for lasting progress.
The Accountability Equation: Organizations such as the Auditor General’s office and Anti-Corruption Agencies play pivotal roles, akin to Hong Kong’s ICAC or Singapore’s CPIB. Yet, political interference and a void of intrinsic political will stifle their effectivity.
When President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed enacted the anti-corruption bill in 2019, it seemed like a harbinger of change. However, the ensuing criticisms and the disbanding of the commission under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud illustrate the bumpy path of governance in Somalia.
Looking at Somalia through the lens of the Global Transparency Index, it ranks dismal in the corruption perceptions assessment. In 2023, Transparency International ranked Somalia 180th out of 180, scoring just 11 out of 100. Of all governance woes, corruption remains an enduring roadblock.
The Central Bank: An institution pivotal for economic tranquility, ensuring financial stability and monetary policy management. Yet, its independence is constrained without a staple national currency, leaving room for broader issues like dollarization of the economy.
Past lessons from countries like Singapore and Hong Kong show the necessity for robust anti-corruption frameworks. These models implore Somalia to build just as resilient structures locally.
Public procurement and independent election commissions add layers to the governance puzzle, ensuring transparent processes and democratic integrity. However, the interference and inadequate resource allocation plaguing these systems can undermine citizen trust and legitimacy.
Civil society organizations have a compelling role to watch and voice out in name of the public interest. Yet, internal discord often transforms them into entities echoing profit-driven agendas rather than societal empowerment.
Media: This stalwart of democracy must endure threats and political pressures. In Somalia, journalism can be dangerous, constrained by both government’s stances and militant extremism. Is it realistic to expect unbridled press freedom under existing conditions?
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this essay outlines why public governance and accountability mechanisms in Somalia grapple under historical and present pressures. With governance structures devastated by internal conflicts, rebuilding these vital organizations stands paramount.
Future governance in Somalia hangs in balance, necessitating committed rebuilding efforts by leaders across governmental tiers. As this unfolds on the world stage, will Somalia rise to uphold accountable, transparent practices that instill public trust and international respect?
Ali Haji Warsame (MBA MA CPA) is the Executive Director of Hiil Institute and a former Northeastern State Minister of Education. Email: ali.warsame@hilinstitute.org
Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
