A recent Ethiopian agreement with breakaway Somaliland is in breach of Somali sovereignty and threatens to destabilise the whole region.
Somalia Becomes the Eighth Member of the EAC – Back to the Roots?
The time has come! On 24 November 2023, the heads of state and government of the East African Community (EAC) approved Somalia’s accession. Thus, Somalia will become the eighth member of the Economic Community, with a population of around 300 million. Somalia’s membership was already in the offing in June of this year.[1] The EAC is now one of the largest regional alliances in Africa and the world, laying the foundations not only for a conflict-free future but also for realising Africa’s enormous economic potential for the benefit of its inhabitants.
Somalia Achieves Crucial Foreign Policy Successes
For Somalia, this is another milestone in its post-war development. In addition to lifting the arms embargo by the UN Security Council on 1 December 2023[2], the International Monetary Fund decided on 1 November to grant the country an extended credit line of USD 100 million.[3] The funds are not only urgently needed support for the reconstruction of the country and in the fight against terror, but also, in the words of the IMF, confirmation that “Somalia has maintained strong implementation of wide-ranging reforms to help strengthen key economic and financial policy institutions, which is paving the way for Somalia to reach debt relief at the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Completion Point in December 2023.” This means that Somalia is on track to meet the HIPC requirements, which means that international lenders such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the IMF, the Inter-American Development Bank and all Paris Club countries will once again classify the country as creditworthy and interest-free loans will be available in some cases.
This positive development shows that the path of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s presidency is recognised and supported by international partners. However, it also shows that a great deal is happening within the country. In addition to the travel diplomacy to neighbouring countries right at the beginning of his presidency last year and the alliance he forged against Al Shabab, these are important and perhaps even somewhat surprising successes for a country that was on the brink of violent political conflict until the presidential election in May 2022.
The Economic Benefits of Accession Outweigh the Risks
In particular, regional integration and cooperation through the country’s accession to the EAC will benefit Somalia economically. Although the World Bank recently downgraded its growth forecast from 3.6 % to 2.8 %[4], this should only be a small dent in economic development. For years now, Mogadishu, in particular, has been experiencing a rapidly growing economic upturn, a considerable increase in construction activity and the establishment of all kinds of companies. Therefore, the economic advantages that Somalia brings to the EAC outweigh the disadvantages. These include a coastline of around 3,000 miles, abundant fish, a large livestock industry, agricultural potential, and suspected further raw material reserves currently being explored. The country also has great tourism potential and opportunities in the environmental sector. In addition, with its very young and increasingly well-educated population, the country is home to a digitalised, tech-savvy and progressive generation of young businesspeople. Somalia is, therefore, not coming to the EAC as a supplicant but as a nation that will further strengthen the Community. Therefore, the international Community, the EU, and solid bilateral partners such as Germany should continue to support this path.
However, Somalia Continues to Face Many Internal Challenges
This support will continue to be necessary for the foreseeable future. Even though there are positive signs, there are also many uncertainty factors – irrespective of the fight against terrorism. First and foremost is the faltering constitutional reform. Numerous committees were appointed last year, and important representatives from politics and society were tasked with reviewing the constitution. Since then, however, the work seems to be taking place behind closed doors at best. This does not do justice to the formulated claim of a genuine Somalisation of the Constitution. Rarely in recent years has the time been better than at present for a social discourse on the way forward. It is about the democratic foundations, such as the right to vote (one person, one vote), but also the organisation of the legal system and federalism. The Federal Government must also ask itself how it intends to secure future parliamentary participation in the EAC. In any case, the provisional constitution 2012 does not contain an opening clause, as in Germany, for example, with Article 23 of the Basic Law. The development of the federal states is also a factor of uncertainty. There is considerable tension not only in central and southern Somalia, where the prescribed legislative periods have been extended, but also in Puntland, the former anchor of stability, due to the current presidency’s desire to extend the election period.[5] Relations with Somaliland and its separatist part Khatumo are equally tense. The status of the capital, Mogadishu (Banadir), remains unresolved and harbours political and economic risks. This is because the flourishing economy in Banadir accounts for a significant proportion of the entire country’s tax revenue, particularly as far as the federal government is concerned. Therefore, a political conflict over future status can quickly become a fiscal and economic crisis for the federal government.
These are not unusual problems but rather the difficulties that must always be expected in Somalia or issues that have needed clarification for years. Taken together, however, they can lead to coalitions emerging in the slipstream of the fight against terror, regional and international efforts and the country’s stabilisation, which hope to gain better political or economic conditions for themselves from a country in crisis mode. The presidency would, therefore, be well advised to place its political focus more strongly on domestic policy in the coming year. This also applies in particular to the period following a successful military campaign against Al Shabab. This is because immediately after liberation from the hostage of terror, expectations of a better future are quickly linked to the gain in prosperity and the functioning of statehood.
The geopolitical challenges also hover above these internal Somali, predominantly political tensions. For example, Somalia is severely affected by the global energy and food crisis. In recent months, food and energy prices have risen so sharply that they seriously threaten economic recovery. Somalia is also affected by climate change more than almost any other country. Even though there has recently been hefty rainfall in the country, the drought that has lasted for years has caused enormous damage and has also made entire areas uninhabitable for a long time.
Regional Cooperation is an African Lifestyle in European Clothing
Moreover, despite this, the path of regional cooperation will change the country and come very close to the Somalis’ lifestyle. This is because the contractual structure of the EAC only looks like a European import at first glance. Borderless regional integration is a typically African characteristic. Trade links via the East to North and West Africa have existed for a long time. The Incense Route connected the Horn of Africa with ancient Egypt and even partly with Europe around 3,000 BC. Before colonisation, there was freedom of movement across large parts of Africa and free trade in goods and services. This large trading area, therefore, attracted traders from all parts of the world very early on. The coasts of Somalia, in particular, have been hubs of East-West trade for many centuries. There was a single internal market long before the current development, and this was only eliminated by the colonial demarcation of borders. It was not only the trade, i.e. the possibility of transporting goods from one place to another, but also the law that was standardised. Particularly with the expansion of Islam from the 8th century onwards, the rulers’ commitment to Islam also had an economic component. Traders could, therefore, rely on transactions being carried out in accordance with standardised Islamic law.
A Return to the Pre-Colonial State with the Help of EU Law?
The EAC is, therefore – somewhat romantically speaking – a return to the traditional lifestyle in the region. This return is now realised through the law, i.e., by cooperating with nation-states. Law thus becomes an essential instrument for controlling the (re)integration process. In this respect, the EAC treaties and their legal acts have a unique role. Depending on the claim to the validity of Community law, there are complex interactions between national law and the legal acts of the Community. As already mentioned, in the case of Somalia, the question arises as to how participation in this Community is to be secured in parliamentary terms. This is because it is not only about Community policies but also about the control of participation itself. Like the European Union (EU), the member states of the EAC are committed to comprehensive cooperation. With the Summit, the Council, the Secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly and the East African Court of Justice, there is an organ structure very similar to that of the EU. Article 16 of the EAC-treaty[6] names regulations, directives and decisions as regulatory instruments, which also correspond to the terms regulation, directive and decisions of the European treaties. These will trigger direct implementation and application obligations in Somalia, which can be invoked directly by business people and private individuals in the EAC member states.
Gradual Integration and Leap into the EAC Acquis
The integration process of the EAC functions as a step-by-step model. Economic integration is to be followed by a political community. The stages are set out accordingly in the treaty. Art. 75 creates the customs union, which came into force in 2005; Art. 76 establishes the union of the common market, which came into force in 2010; and Art. 83 describes the harmonisation of financial and monetary policy with the aim of a common currency, which came into force at the end of 2015. Since 2017, the goal of a political federation has also been formulated by the EAC. However, Somalia can not climb these steps step by step. The logic of the treaties states that Somalia is entering the acquis that has already been achieved. Somalia is, therefore, entering directly into a single market with a customs union and a harmonised financial and monetary policy with all rights and obligations, even if specific transitional periods are necessary.
The great success of accession is, therefore, followed by homework that Somalia must complete in the coming years. The fundamental prerequisite is that the federal states and the federal parliament (House of Peoples) are involved. In addition to political participation, however, an implementation strategy for the substantive law of the EAC is also required. For example, the question arises about how private disputes can be resolved when there is hardly any court structure or enforcement law in Somalia.
Conclusion
Ultimately, however, Somalia is on an excellent path. The political integration efforts of the current presidency have done the country much good. The successes in the fight against Al Shabab are noticeable everywhere, and the path of regional cooperation will also keep Somalia on the road to success in the long term. If the presidency tackles the domestic challenges with the same vigour, Somalia is on the threshold of becoming an essential key state in the region. It would undoubtedly be desirable for the battered country.
Time to Work for a New Momentum in Somalia–Türkiye Relations
President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (R) [Anadolu Agency].
The 12-years-old Modern relations between Somalia and Türkiye continues Diplomaticallyas the two brotherly nations take new steps in bilateral cooperation and people to people relations.
Somalia and Türkiye enjoy cordial relations, despite geographical distance brotherly nations have distinct culture and traditions based on our rich historical heritage. While diplomatic contacts go back to 16 century between the Ottoman Empire and the Somali Sultanates.
However, Somalia’s relations with Türkiye weakened when the Ottoman Empire fell apart and the Republic of Türkiyewas established in 1923. The newly founded Republic of Türkiye’s adoption of a western-oriented foreign policy, as well as the colonial powers’ separation of Somalia, were among the influences that affected the historical connection.
Later in the 1960s, Türkiye’s foreign policy started to engage with African states and pursued an open policy towards the African continent, thus, paved the way for Somalia-Türkiye relations to resume. Somalia opened its embassy in Ankara in 1976, whereas Türkiye also established its embassy in Mogadishu only after three years in 1979. Yet, this relationship did not last long as Somalia state collapsed in 1991 and the country went into a harsh civil war.
Following the fall of the Somali government in 1991 and the subsequent complex civil war, the Somali government was reconvened in 2000. The Somali government embarked on a path to normalize its affairs and restore its place in theinternational community at the United Nations. The successive governments had an enormous challenge in restoring law and order to Somalia after a protracted civil war and terrorism.
President Erdogan’s historic visit
On August 19, 2011, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then prime minister paid a heroic trip to Somalia. The Turkish prime minister was the first by a non-African leader to visit Somalia since the eruption of the civil conflict in 1991.
One of the worst famines in recent memory devastated Somalia and much of East Africa in 2011. The people of Somalia was severely affected by the famine due to the country’s weak state infrastructure and the imminent threat of Al-Shabaab terrorism. International humanitarian organizations and the general population were disturbed by the starvation and mortality.
The visit of president Erdogan was essential in coordinating and advancing international efforts towards helping Somalia amid the humanitarian crisis. The trip itself became an important symbol of Turkish humanitarian efforts and desire to work with underdeveloped African nations that did not possess enough governmental capacity to confront with natural and man-made calamities. The aim of Türkiye in Somalia was to provide emergency assistance to people who were affected by the drought, which was the most severe in Africa’s eastern region in 60 years.
From humanitarian assistance to development cooperation
The visit and establishment of the Turkish Embassy in the country also marked the beginning of stronger ties between Mogadishu and Ankara. These ties have expanded beyond diplomatic relations and remain apparent in other socio-economic and humanitarian areas.
In 2011, Türkiye launched its largest and effective humanitarian aid mission withe the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızlay), and civil society organizations. Since then, it has continued to provide humanitarian and development assistance in Somalia. These organizations have provided emergency response, development projects, technology transfer, and scholarships Somali students to study in Türkiye.
More foreign embassies wereopened in the country’s capital city, and the country continues to grow, drawing investment and returning Somali expatriates and diaspora communities.
Türkiye’s humanitarian assistance and emergency response to every disaster that has took place in Somalia has earned it a special position in the hearts and the minds of the Somali Nation.
Both Türkiye and Somalia emphasised the importance of shared historical and cultural links in improving bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for collaboration in other areas. Somalia became Türkiye’s key entrance to the Horn of Africa. Last August 19, 2023, marked the 12th anniversary of the resumption of relations between Türkiye and Somalia.These relationships, which have been strengthened and grown in numerous areas, are poised to deepen in the future.
Mutual high-level visits have contributed to strengthening of our ties. I was also pleased and honoured to contribute and Serve our country as the Political advisor of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Somalia to Türkiye in 2020. The first contact of political consultations held in May 2007, when Prime minister Erdoğan met with the former President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia Abdullahi Yusuf at the sidelines of the AU meeting in Addis Ababa and expressed Türkiye’s interest to contribute the statebuilding process of Somalia. After President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed came to power, President Sharif visited Türkiye three times between 2009 and 2011. Timing of our first political consultations was also meaningful, as it took place when the state building of somalia needed relaible partner like Türkiye and advanced right after the intervention of the humanitarian crisis in Somalia that was meant to express the solidarity of Türkiye with Somalia in difficult times. . both countries set up their Embassies consecutively in 2011 and in 2012, As a sign of friendly partnership, both countries establishedInterparliamentary Friendship Groups and are looking forward to further strengthen our bilateral relations at the parliamentarian level and collaborating in reviewing and passing existing agreements for the development of our nations.
A CALL TO REINVIGORATING OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS
Development cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye is multi-tiered, and includes Security,economic, social and infrastructural partnerships. The Türkiye-Somalia Partnership is founded on on a win-win and equal partnership basis.Türkiye aims to contribute to the progress of Somalia and seeks to have an equal partnership , which will allow both sides to maximize their national interests.
On security Front, in May 2010, the Somali and Turkish governments signed a military training agreement.Enforcement of the pact officially began in November 2012. Turkey opened a military training academy in Somalia, its largest overseas military training facility, on Sept. 30, 2017. The academy plays a crucial role in building a professional army for Somalia with the training and deployment of special forces that are playing a crucial role in restoring Rule of law,fighting and defeating the Al-Shabab terror group and in the near future will secure territorial integrity of our country. While we are grateful to the African Union Mission that has provided security in the last 15 years, its current mandate under the AU Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) expires in two years. Today, 12 years on, the Somali national armed forces is stronger and more advanced as a result of that cooperation.
On Trade Matters, Trade gates between the two countries have opened. Turkish companies have begun investing in Somalia, and some have won high-level contracts to operate the Mogadishu port and the airport. Meanwhile, many Somali businesspeople have opened businesses in Turkey, and hundreds more have made Türkiye a higher education and health tourism destination. both Countries signed a pact to boost their strategic economic partnership. The countries also inked a memorandum of understanding on fishing and fisheries, The agreement would maintain bilateral economic ties and bolster strategic cooperation in the years to come.both countries should carry through 2016 memorandums of understanding in such areas as energy, mines, electricity, higher education, agriculture, and maritime affairs. Somalia is a country dependent on imports. Our trade volume were 2 million dollars back in 2003 and increased by 31 percent to reach 363 million dollars last year. While Turkey’s investment in Somalia stands at over $100 million, This figure forms a foundation to prompt bigger cooperation in the days to come.the existence of business and investment opportunities coupled with the recent bilateral efforts for economic cooperation and the willingness of authorities to work together can predict positive future economic collaboration.
While Turkiye’s win-win and equal partnership are widely recognized, Somalia can also offer reciprocal engagement to Türkiye. Turkiye-Somalia partnership can progressively expand into full-fledged bilateral trade including foreign direct investment.
Somalia is a country with untapped natural resources, and some preliminary explorations show that the country has a large number of gas, oil and minerals deposits. It is estimated that the total oil in the Indian Ocean waters off of Somalia is about 100 billion barrels. This opens up new options for Turkiye’s public and private investors to capitalise on Somalia’s favourable investment climate.
In deepening our mutual partnership, both countries should put forward a reciprocal expanded trade in which Turkiye exporting firms can tap into our economy, while Turkiye provides favoured market access for Somali producers working in agriculture, livestock, frankincense, fisheries, leather industry, and other sectors. on the other hand, Export development through Turkish assistance, and can enable Somali companies to operate in the global market.
Another advantage Somalia can provide Türkiye is the enormous investment potential in our blue economy. Although Somalia has Africa’s longest ocean strip, it’s ongoing civil war, which has lasted for almost a quarter of a century, put an end to fishing on one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. Turkey helped to build a Fisheries Training School in Somalia.
Teaching the Somali society how to fish again through this will be a lasting investment in the economic sustainability of the country by creating employment, restarting a valuable food sector, and even developing a fisheries industry.
Both countries aim to strengthen their existing ties and explore new avenues of cooperation. Our ancestors almost six centuries ago, took the first steps to bring closer our two nations. Today, built on our past, we can make our common future brighter.The future holds immense potential for these two nations to deepen their bond and embark on a shared journey toward a brighter and more prosperous future.
PROPOSING EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN SOMALIA
On September 4, 2023, Minbar Initiative convened a town hall meeting with key stakeholders to address – and discuss – the challenges and opportunities in the education sector.
Somalia Should Invest in Community Cohesion to Build a Prosperity
What is the common obstacle in our society that obstructs our recovery, regardless of religious, cultural, or linguistic diversity?
Somalia has grappled with formidable challenges in recent decades, encompassing political instability, conflict, poverty, and economic limitations. Nonetheless, the nation holds vast potential, particularly within its youthful population, natural resources, and strategic location. To revive Somalia, a clear vision and pragmatic solutions must emerge from the grassroots.
Over the past thirty years, Somalia has been entrenched in conflict, eroding the government’s authority. The struggle persists against militant groups, clan factions, and terrorist organizations claiming to represent Islam. Despite these adversities, the federal government strives to enhance security, economic prospects, and debt alleviation. Moreover, government restructuring is underway. However, little attention has been given to social reconstruction and community development. This apathy extends to government bodies, private organizations, political parties, and interest groups, with only a handful prioritizing these critical endeavors. Regrettably, the community remains largely unaware.
Community development isn’t a simple task achievable by a single entity, be it government or individual. It necessitates collective efforts. So, what exactly is the problem? What actions should be taken? And who bears the responsibility?
The issues we face are multifaceted, stemming from various facets of society driven by personal values, needs, and preferences. These issues are often neglected, despite their presence. They encompass:
- Outdated Political Culture: Somalia’s political culture and socialization processes hinder progress. The absence of a strong central government and the dominance of tribalism are major factors behind Somalia’s political stagnation. Corruption plagues the government, eroding trust. The political system’s complexity, marked by inconsistent socialization practices, creates an unpredictable and chaotic environment.
- Religion and Conflict: Religion holds immense significance in Somalia but has also fueled destructive conflict instead of fostering order and support.
- Tribalism’s Stranglehold: Tribalism has long perpetuated discrimination, hate crimes, and poverty, dividing clans and perpetuating violence.
- Educational Shortcomings: Somalia’s subpar education system limits the youth’s opportunities, stifling innovation and progress and leaving citizens ill-equipped to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, Somalia can overcome them. The core issues revolve around a political system and culture that prioritize tribal affiliations over democratic principles, rule of law, and equal opportunities. Furthermore, the lack of quality education impedes human development and economic participation. Addressing these issues necessitates investment in infrastructure, job creation, and entrepreneurship, thus transforming the informal economy into a formal one.
To rebuild Somalia’s communities, the following strategies are imperative:
- Invest in Education: Expanding access to quality education, particularly for the youth, is paramount. Increasing the number of teachers, constructing schools, and providing learning resources will enhance literacy and opportunities over time.
- Economic Revitalization: Encouraging foreign investment, offering small business loans, workforce development, and improving infrastructure (energy, water, roads, technology) are key steps. Prioritizing private sector job growth and entrepreneurship will stimulate the formal economy, benefiting youth and families.
- Establish Democratic Values: Promoting equality, civic engagement, free speech, and fair legal processes can shift the culture toward democracy and inclusivity. A representative government upholding the rule of law is critical.
- Empower the Youth: The youth represent Somalia’s brightest hope. Developing youth leadership in civil society, business, and government is crucial. Their energy, ideas, and passion should be nurtured and supported.
In society, factors such as culture, education, language, ethnicity, and religion profoundly shape citizens’ lives. Embracing diversity can create a harmonious environment and a stable community. Steps must be taken to seize this opportunity.
Baladweyne: Between Adversity and Resilience
Nestled in the heart of Somalia, Baladweyne stands as a town renowned for its agricultural prowess and the breathtaking beauty of its fertile lands. However, amidst its natural splendor lies a formidable challenge that tests the mettle of its inhabitants year after year—the recurring floods that bring both destruction and resilience to this remarkable community. This article sheds light on the captivating story of Baladweyne’s defiance amid cyclical and catastrophic humanitarian situation.
The Dual Adversities
Baladweyne’s battle against recurring floods illuminates the dual adversities faced by its inhabitants—an unyielding force of nature and the consequential human suffering.
Unyielding Force of Nature
As the rainy season arrives, Baladweyne’s landscape transforms into a tumultuous scene of rising waters and surging currents. The swelling of the Shabelle River presents a formidable challenge, testing the resilience of the town’s protective measures. While Baladweyne’s agricultural potential lies in the richness of its soil and the blessings of ample water supply, the same water becomes a double-edged sword when it exceeds its banks, breaching river embankments, and inundating homes, farmland, and infrastructure. Nature’s power, while awe-inspiring, leaves devastation in its wake.
Unspeakable of Human Suffering
Beyond the physical destruction lies the profound human suffering endured by the people of Baladweyne. Displaced from their homes, families seek refuge in makeshift camps or rely on the generosity of relatives. Basic necessities such as clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare become scarce commodities, heightening the vulnerability of the community. The loss of crops and livelihoods plunges many into a spiral of poverty and food insecurity, as dreams are shattered and hopes diminished. Yet, amid these adversities, the indomitable spirit of Baladweyne shines through.
Overcoming Challenges
The path to resilience for Baladweyne lies in comprehensive strategies that address both the unyielding force of nature and the consequential human suffering.
- Mitigating the Unyielding Force of Nature
- Strengthened River Embankments: By fortifying the river embankments, Baladweyne can better withstand the force of floodwaters, minimizing breaches and reducing the impact on homes and infrastructure.
- Enhanced Drainage Systems: Upgrading the town’s drainage infrastructure will facilitate the efficient flow of water during flood events, preventing waterlogging and reducing damage.
- Resilient Housing Solutions: Promoting the construction of flood-resistant housing designs can provide safer and more secure homes for the community, minimizing the risk of damage and displacement.
- Alleviating Consequential Human Suffering
- Adequate Temporary Shelter and Aid: Establishing well-equipped temporary shelters and distribution centers will provide immediate relief to displaced individuals, ensuring access to essential items such as food, clean water, and medical supplies.
- Healthcare and Sanitation Facilities: Strengthening healthcare services and sanitation facilities in Baladweyne will address the increased health risks associated with flooding, safeguarding the well-being of the community.
- Sustainable Livelihood Support: Implementing sustainable livelihood programs, including agricultural training and income-generating initiatives, will empower the community to rebuild their lives, restore economic stability, and foster long-term resilience.
A Joint Effort to Resilience
In embarking on the journey towards resilience, Baladweyne requires a collective and concerted effort from all stakeholders involved. It is essential for the Somali government and the Hirshalle state to recognize the profound impact that recurring floods have on the lives of Baladweyne’s inhabitants. Amidst the challenges faced by the town, it becomes apparent that the people are relying on their leaders to guide them towards a brighter future.
However, it is disheartening to observe that the needs of the community often go unnoticed or unaddressed. Baladweyne, with its rich agricultural heritage and its resilient people, deserves more attention and support from the authorities. The collaborative path to resilience must begin with a renewed commitment from both the government and the Hirshalle state to prioritize the well-being and future prospects of Baladweyne’s inhabitants.
To foster collaboration, it is crucial to establish open lines of communication and engage in meaningful dialogue with the local community. By listening to the concerns and experiences of the people, policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the solutions they envision. This inclusive approach will empower the community and foster a sense of ownership over the resilience-building process.
Moreover, collaboration should extend beyond the government and the state. Partnerships with humanitarian organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international entities can bring valuable expertise, resources, and funding to support Baladweyne’s journey towards resilience. These partnerships can facilitate the implementation of comprehensive plans that address infrastructure development, disaster risk reduction, livelihood support, and capacity building.
The collaborative efforts must prioritize the following:
- Empowering Local Communities
- Infrastructure Development
- Livelihood Support and Economic Empowerment
- Strengthening Healthcare and Social Services
- Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management
Way Forward
By embracing a collaborative approach, the Somali government, the Hirshalle state, and other stakeholders can demonstrate their commitment to the people of Baladweyne. It is imperative to forge partnerships that foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of the community are heard and incorporated into resilience-building efforts. Only through this collaborative path can Baladweyne overcome its challenges, restore hope, and pave the way for a brighter and more resilient future.
What is the Future for Somali’s 4.5 System?
Over the last three decade, the glue that has been holding Somali’s political system has been 4.5 power-sharing formula. This system was conceived by warlords in earlier days of the conflict and it has been dubbed as the most evil-genius piece of legacy by the warlords. In this short piece, I will try to shed light on the origins, its ups and downs and chart way forward. My main aim is to reflect and set debate in motion for the future of this 4.5 system.