Somalia’s Unfinished Transition: Governance, Legitimacy, and the Struggle for Stability
Somalia’s political transition remains incomplete. While institutions exist in form, their performance continues to fall short of public expectations. Across the country, citizens are questioning whether current leadership is delivering on its core responsibilities: security, economic stability, and social justice. A major concern is the growing reliance on unilateral decision-making. When political authority is exercised without broad consultation or federal-regional consensus, it weakens institutional balance and fuels mistrust. In fragile political environments like Somalia’s, inclusive governance is not optional—it is essential for stability. The continued delay in announcing a clear electoral agenda further complicates the situation. Without a transparent timetable for both regional and presidential elections, uncertainty becomes the norm. Electoral ambiguity undermines legitimacy and raises concerns about commitment to constitutional processes. A functioning democracy requires predictable, credible, and time-bound electoral mechanisms. In Mogadishu, land disputes have emerged as a serious flashpoint. Allegations of property confiscation and unresolved ownership conflicts reflect deeper structural problems in governance and rule of law. When citizens feel their property rights are insecure, confidence in institutions erodes rapidly. Legal clarity and fair adjudication are urgently needed to prevent further social tension. External influence over domestic political decisions remains another sensitive issue. While international partnerships are vital for Somalia’s recovery, excessive interference risks weakening sovereignty and distorting national priorities. Durable state-building must be guided primarily by Somali consensus, not external pressure. Security conditions also remain fragile. In regions such as Southwest State, recurring clashes demonstrate the limits of current stabilization strategies. Persistent insecurity disrupts civilian life, hinders development projects, and reinforces cycles of instability. A unified national security approach—coordinated between federal and regional authorities—is essential. The economic landscape adds further strain. Rising living costs, unemployment, and limited public services continue to burden households. Economic stagnation not only deepens poverty but also undermines social cohesion. Sustainable recovery requires transparent financial management, investment in local economies, and policies that prioritize ordinary citizens. At the core of these issues lies a fundamental demand: accountability. Leadership must align with constitutional principles and public expectations. This includes announcing a clear and binding electoral timetable, guaranteeing the integrity of the electoral process, protecting citizens’ rights without discrimination, and strengthening institutional checks and balances. Equally important is rebuilding political consensus between the federal government and regional states. Without cooperation and dialogue, governance will remain fragmented and progress will be uneven. National stability depends on shared responsibility. Somalia does not lack resilience. What it requires now is clarity of direction, transparency in leadership, and respect for constitutional order. The path forward demands reform—not rhetoric—and inclusive governance that reflects the aspirations of its people. Somalia’s future will be determined not by promises, but by accountability, stability, and genuine political will.
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