The
controversy of Federalism in Somalia
It is the most talked
subject in my country, it is the curse
of Somalia, it is a modern political system which started in the last few
decades. It is a system which is applicable, a country of different ethnic
groups, religions, cultures, languages and so on. But not applicable in a
country with homogenous society such as Somalia.
What is that? It is none
but federalism. Some thought that federalism would bring stability and
development. Other people strongly believed that it will bring disunity,
conflicts, lack of accountability, lack of patriotism and contested power.
Somali has been in
civil war for the last quarter century. -Every
clan has it's own fighting factions that defend its own so-called dignity. -There
is hatred between Somali brothers. More reconciliation is needed to reunite
Somalis. But Somalia doesn't need a system that enhances their disunity.
Conflict is one of the
major problems that accompanies federalism. Currently, there is on-going
conflict between two states (Gal-mudug and Puntland) in the city of the two
states-Galka'yo. According to the BBC,
this has led to the lose of lives of many, injured a large number of people and
even those who dwell in Galka'yo have fled to outskirts of the city. Therefore,
federalism seems not suited in Somalia.
Accountability is the most
significant thing in states. Citizens need to see a transparent state so they
can know wether sectors are riddled with corruption or not. Today the central
government of Somalia has no power to see how the income from Kismayo port in
Jubbaland state is managed.
These days the number
of national patriotics are falling due to federalism. Because they have opted
for regionalism over patriotism. For example, a person who lives in or is from
Puntland is a Puntlander rather than Somali.
The centralization of
power is weakened by both the former and newly built states. Every state has
it's own administration with little or no intervention by the central
government of Somalia. For example, the leaders of the states have the power to
sign an agreement with foreign governments. Likewise, some states create
anarchy in to the central government causing political instability in
government institutions. In addition, they sometimes independently attempt to
become a free government. All these are arguments from opposers.
Some argue that
federalism is more democratic and will get rid of tyranny by a separation of
power, justice and development in terms of economic and social life. They also
say that the public will have a chance to criticize the government.
In conclusion, federalism
is a new strange system of governance for a homogenous society threatened by civil war. Unfortunately, citizens are unable to restrict the spread of
federalism that corrupts and undermines the value of Somalism.
Written by:- Mohamud Shawul Abdirahman
E-mail:- Mshawul114@gmail.com
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