Introduction:
For over three decades, Somalia has struggled to establish a stable and functioning central government despite consistent efforts from the Italian Somali elites and the international community. After conducting a detailed study, I have identified the core reason behind this failure.
The main reason behind Somalia’s prolonged state failure is the dominance of a centralized, clan-based elite structure—particularly those tied to the Italian Somali legacy—which consistently excludes other clans and regions, leading to political imbalance, mistrust, and recurring conflict.
Supporting Points:
Clan-Based Politics:
The political system is heavily influenced by clan favoritism rather than merit or national unity.
Major clans monopolize power, marginalizing smaller clans and regions like Darood and Hawiye clans
External Influence & Weak Sovereignty:
The international community often funds and supports externally designed solutions that ignore Somalia’s internal realities.
Foreign actors prioritize their interests over sustainable governance structures.
Elite Fragmentation:
A significant portion of Somalia’s leadership comes from Diaspora , where Western colonial influence created a bureaucratic elite disconnected from grassroots needs.
Post-1991 leaders often replicate colonial styles of governance without legitimacy or effective control.
Lack of Genuine Reconciliation:
Repeated conferences and agreements have failed to resolve deep-seated clan grievances.
No sincere effort has been made by the international community to listen to the legitimate aspirations of nation like Somaliland, which reaffirmed its independence in 1991. The world could learn a valuable lesson from Somaliland’s stability and democratic governance. Instead of relying on foreign peacekeepers in fragile regions, recognizing Somaliland could offer a sustainable alternative. Somaliland has proven its capacity to govern peacefully and could contribute significantly to regional peace and stability if formally recognized.”
Somalia’s political system is dominated by clan loyalties rather than national identity.
The 4.5 clan power-sharing formula entrenches division and undermines meritocracy and unity.
Clans often see national power as a zero-sum game, leading to instability and lack of trust.
Corruption and Donor Dependency:
Billions in aid have been mismanaged or outright stolen, undermining development efforts.
The country remains trapped in a cycle of donor dependency, lacking a serious commitment to building sustainable, self-reliant institutions.
A significant portion of the administration, including cabinet and parliament members, consists of diaspora individuals who prioritize personal financial gain. Many collect funds and then return to their lives in Western countries, showing little long-term investment in the nation’s future.
Summary:
Somalia’s state failure is not merely due to conflict or poverty, but a systemic issue rooted in elite politics, exclusion, foreign interference, and the failure to establish inclusive governance. A new approach is required—one that prioritizes internal legitimacy, respects regional aspirations, and rebuilds trust among Somalia’s diverse communities.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad
Independent Politically Analyst tra50526@gmail.com 11/5/2025
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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