Somalia at a crossroads 

The story of Somalia is a story of resilience, struggle, and determination. From the colonial era’s “Scramble for Africa” to the tumultuous events following independence, Somalia has faced numerous challenges. However, it has also witnessed moments of unity, progress, and hope that serve as a beacon for the nation’s prosperous future.

 DEMOCRACY

Somalia’s journey to independence was marked by the unification of the northern and southern regions in 1960, following years of British and Italian colonial rule, respectively. British Somaliland was granted independence on the 26th of June 1960, five days prior to Italian Somaliland’s independence on the 1st of July 1960. 

During this time period a historic and significant event occurred. Instead of British Somaliland announcing itself as a sovereign state once it gained independence, the leaders of British Somaliland journeyed to the South and waited for Italian Somaliland to gain independence also, so both the North and the South could join together to make the Republic of Somalia. 

This unifying and powerful moment is one to be noted as it serves as a stark reminder that Somalis have always understood that they are one people ethnically, culturally, religiously, linguistically who are stronger together. Although 60 years later the North and the South are still opposing each other, at the birth of Somalia as a nation in 1960 it was understood that …..

This historic merger brought together the Somali people, igniting the dream of Greater Somalia “Somaliweyn,” which encompasses three other regions:  East of Ethiopia (Western Somalia, Somali Galbeed) Kenya’s Northern Frontier District (NFD), and Djibouti, all inhabited by ethnic Somalis and rightfully Somali lands which were taken during colonialism. 

Nine years after gaining independence, Somalia embraced democracy, ushering in a period of political stability. The country was known as “The Switzerland of Africa” at the time due to its peaceful democratic elections – the first African country to do so. However, this era was short-lived, as a military coup led by military officers on October 21, 1969, changed the course of the nation’s history.

A New Era. MILITARY REGIME

The military coup of 1969 marked a turning point for Somalia. The new regime, led by General Siyaad Barre, initiated a revolutionary agenda that had far-reaching effects. During this period, Somalia saw significant development efforts, including the promotion of the Somali language, eradication of illiteracy, and the establishment of various industries. Somalia was on the path to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the African continent. The new leader of the country, Siyaad Barre, brought forth environmentalist and feminist revolutionary views which propelled the nation forward and established Somalia as one of the leading countries in Africa. 

However, the Ethiopian-Somali War in the late 1970s created a rift. Siyaad Barre attacked neighbouring Ethiopia in an attempt to regain Western Somalia (Ogaden), a land which rightfully belongs to Somalia but was annexed during colonialism. The war began hopeful for Somalis, as they marched through the Ogaden region regaining every inch of land that was once taken from them and made their way to Addis Ababa – Ethiopia’s capital city.  

However the Soviet Union, which had originally supported Somalia, shifted its allegiance to Ethiopia, and other communist nations such as Cuba, Yemen, Korea imported soldiers, weapons and ammunition in hopes of defeating Somalia and protecting their interests with Ethiopia. This caused Somalia to withdraw from the conflict. This withdrawal led to internal strife within the Somali military and the emergence of rebel groups that fought against the Barre regime, plunging the nation into a state of chaos and instability.

CIVIL WAR

The year is 1991 and the rebel groups have successfully overthrown Mohammed Siyaad Barre as the Head of State. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis were forced to flee their homeland for the first time in hopes to escape the mayhem and chaos that has overran their country. The once peaceful and revolutionary nation has turned into a dystopian nightmare with dead bodies piling the streets every week. 

The absence of a central government allowed various armed groups to emerge, each claiming to represent different clans and regions, leading to a fragmented and lawless state. Additionally, factors such as drought, famine, and poverty exacerbated the crisis, making it difficult for ordinary Somalis to secure basic necessities. The international community’s attempts to intervene and bring stability often faced challenges, as the complex clan dynamics and the absence of a unified political authority complicated peace efforts. This volatile mix of clan rivalries, political instability, and economic hardships created a perfect storm, setting the stage for one of the most devastating conflicts in modern African history.

After 10+ years of a seemingly endless civil war, the Islamic Courts Union gained control over large parts of the country, including the capital, Mogadishu, by establishing a semblance of peace through the implementation of Islamic law. The ICU managed to bring a degree of stability to the regions under its control, providing an alternative to the years of lawlessness and chaos that had plagued Somalia after the fall of Siad Barre’s regime in 1991. For many Somalis, the ICU represented a hope for peace and security, as it was able to restore a sense of order in areas it governed. For the first time since 1991 there was some form of peace in Mogadishu and it was Islam that made this possible for Somalia. 

However, this stability was short-lived. The United States, fearing the rise of Islamists backed Ethiopia’s military intervention in Somalia in December 2006. Ethiopian forces, with U.S. support, launched an offensive against the ICU, leading to its swift defeat

The Ethiopian and American intervention in Somalia, while motivated by concerns about Islamic rise, directly contributed to further destabilising the region. It shattered the brief period of stability that the ICU had managed to establish, leading to a conflict that continues to pose significant challenges to Somalia’s peace and development efforts, and plunged the country deeper into chaos and birthed the biggest menaces to Somalia’s peace and prosperity today.

The Ethiopian and American intervention sparked a resurgence of violence and insurgency in Somalia. The defeat of the ICU led to the radicalisation of some of its elements, which later coalesced into extremist groups like Al-Shabaab; Somalias greatest enemy for the past 10+ years and who the President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is currently at war with .

In the midst of Al Shabaab and famine, Somalia faced the monumental task of rebuilding its shattered institutions and healing deep-rooted clan divisions. One approach the country adopted to achieve stability was federalism. This was introduced in Mbagathi during a conference with Somalia, Kenya and other frontline countries, where it was encouraged by these frontline countries (like Ethiopia and Kenya) for Somalia to adopt federalism.

The adoption of federalism in Somalia emerged as a response to the challenges posed by clan-based politics and the need for a more inclusive and decentralised system of governance.

Federalism in Somalia led to the formation of regional states, each with a degree of political autonomy. This system aimed to accommodate the diverse clan identities and regional disparities within the country, providing a framework for power-sharing and local governance. The Federal Government of Somalia, established in 2004, worked towards creating a federal structure that would integrate these regional states under a united national identity. Over the years, several regional states, such as Puntland and Jubaland, were established, each with its own administrative and political structures.

Does federalism serve Somalia?

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided and shared between a central authority and individual states or provinces. It is often used in countries with diverse populations, multiple ethnic groups, languages, and distinct regional cultures. The purpose of federalism is to accommodate these differences, allowing various regions to govern themselves in certain areas while still being part of a unified nation. 

Therefore, it is unusual a nation like Somalia which has one ethnicity, one language, one religion and one culture is governing itself with federalism. 

Federalism was seen as a way to accommodate the diverse clan identities and regional disparities within the country. The idea was that by allowing different regions to have some degree of political autonomy, they could address their specific needs and resolve local issues more effectively. This system aimed to prevent the domination of one clan or group over others and foster cooperation between regions.

Kenya, Somalia’s neighbour, has had a complex relationship with Somalia. One reason Kenya encouraged federalism in Somalia was indeed the fear of a united and powerful Somalia, as if the “Somaliweyn” dream (which was discussed previously) ever came to fruition, it would mean that over 100,000 square miles of Somali land would be taken from Kenya and returned to Somalia where it belongs. A stable and powerful Somalia could potentially challenge Kenya’s influence in the region and upset the delicate balance of power. By supporting federalism, Kenya hoped to prevent the emergence of a strong central government in Somalia that could pose a threat to its interests. 

Whether federalism serves Somalia effectively is a matter of ongoing debate. On one hand, federalism has provided a platform for political dialogue and cooperation between different regions. On the other hand, federalism has perpetuated clan-based politics, with regional leaders primarily serving the interests of their own clans and regions rather than the nation as a whole. Additionally, the lack of a strong central authority has sometimes hindered decision-making and national development initiatives. 

CONCLUSION

After seeing democracy from 1960-69, a military regime from 1969-1991, a seemingly endless civil war and the introduction of federalism in the early 2010s, Somalia finds itself standing at a critical crossroads. The nation’s history is marred by strife, yet it is also a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of its people. With the eventual defeat of Al-Shabaab on the horizon, Somalia faces a pivotal moment of reckoning: the conversation about a new form of governance that caters to the aspirations and needs of all Somalis. 

This dialogue is not just an internal affair; it’s a discussion that involves the Somali diaspora, a community that has not only endured the pain of displacement but has also acquired valuable Western education and exposure, untainted by the horrors of war. The diaspora holds a unique perspective, bridging the gap between traditional Somali values and the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape. Their insights and experiences can be instrumental in shaping a governance model that is progressive and inclusive

However, it’s not just the diaspora that holds the key to Somalia’s future. The youth, too, are central to the nation’s rebuilding efforts. They represent the promise of a new era, unburdened by the scars of the past, and are equipped with fresh ideas and innovative thinking. Their energy, enthusiasm, and determination are vital ingredients in the recipe for Somalia’s resurgence. History will undoubtedly remember the role that the youth played in rebuilding their homeland, redefining its political landscape, and fostering a united, peaceful, and prosperous Somalia.

The path forward requires collective effort, dialogue, and a commitment to building a nation where every Somali can find hope, security, and opportunity. As the nation navigates this crucial moment, the voices of the diaspora, the energy of the youth, and the wisdom of the elders will converge, guiding Somalia towards a future where the mistakes of the past serve as lessons rather than burdens, and where the nation emerges stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever before.