In 1976, the people of Somalia experienced significant political changes when a one-party system was established under the Revolutionary Socialist Party, led by President Mohamed Siad Barre. This political shift marked the beginning of the collapse of Barre’s dictatorial regime, as the government faced mounting internal dissent and external pressures.
Fast-forward to today. The current administration, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (often referred to as HSM), has established a similar one-party system to that of the past. This new framework includes three federal states, and notably, all government ministers, the Speaker of Parliament, and other key officials are required to be members of the central ruling party.
This development has raised concerns among many observers, who did not foresee that President Mohamud would adopt such authoritarian practices reminiscent of previous regimes. The current government operates in a fragile environment, as its authority is constrained to certain limited areas within the country. With ongoing conflict and instability affecting Somalia, the situation remains precarious, raising questions about the future of governance and democracy in the nation.
Waiting for the international community to solve it is impossible, when they can do to cut the diplomatic and financial support, only the Somali opposition politicians and the rest of the federal states of Puntland and Jubaland, the Villa-Somalia Regime, completely ended any dialogue and reconciliation
As the preparations for the upcoming presidential election in May 2026 draw closer, the current president has proposed implementing a “one man, one vote” system, orchestrated by his political faction, which seems superficial. This initiative raises serious concerns about its true intent, as many believe it aims to subvert the genuine will of the Somali people.
Should this plan come to fruition, it could signal a significant step toward the dissolution of the federal structures within the country, ultimately extinguishing the hopes for a cohesive and stable Somalia. The president has made alarming statements indicating that his political survival hinges on support from the Al-Shabab insurgents. In effect, he has suggested that failure to back these militants could lead to his ousting from power.
This troubling narrative raises suspicions regarding the administration’s alignment with Al-Shabab, as it appears they may be colluding with such terrorist factions rather than working to ensure the safety and well-being of the Somali populace. The growing connections between Villa Somalia and extremist groups could have dire consequences for the nation’s future, jeopardising peace efforts and further compromising the integrity of Somalia’s democratic process.
The importation of the Prosperity Party (PP) from Ethiopia to Somalia has proven ineffective due to the deeply rooted cultural and social practices of the Somali people, who primarily follow a nomadic lifestyle. This way of life is significantly influenced by clan affiliations, making it difficult to implement systems that do not align with their traditional governance and social structures.
In contrast, Ethiopia has a history characterized by a monarchical government system that lasted over 300 years, shaping its political landscape and societal norms. This fundamental difference underscores the complexities of promoting collaboration or adopting imported governance frameworks.
The government of the Republic of Somalia serves as a beacon of hope for democratic ideals in the region, advocating for stability and the development of a multi-party political system. In this context, the international community should recognise the statehood of Somaliland. Acknowledging Somaliland’s status would not only enhance regional stability but also encourage the Somali people to establish their governance across the entirety of the Somali Federal states.
Independent Political Analyst: Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a consulting Somali electrical engineer, political analyst, and writer known for his comprehensive commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published numerous articles analysing current policies in the region and is a staunch advocate for the cause of the Republic of Somaliland. His insights have been featured on platforms such as Araweelo News Network, among others.
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad Hargeisa Somaliland Contact Email: tra50526@gmail.com 14/5/2025.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
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