THE SHIFT FROM FEDERATION TO CONFEDERATION: PATHWAYS TO A NEW SOMALIA

The establishment of Puntland State in 1998 aimed to build the Puntland administration and then seek to build the Somali federal government. In 2004, Abdullahi Yusuf, President and founding father of Puntland, was elected as President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Puntland's financial and military support helped the TFG establish a Somali government and relocate to Somalia. But the federal model hasn't done what it was supposed to do, which was to spread power out and make politics more stable. This has led to a lot of problems. This article argues that a shift from federation to confederation could provide a more effective framework for a stable and prosperous Somalia. PUNTLAND'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Puntland has played a significant role in supporting the federal government financially and militarily, helping to establish a unified Somali government. However, the federal model's shortcomings have hindered its effectiveness in establishing stability, and Puntland has not seen the expected benefits, which would allow Somalia to get a government that provides services to its citizens. THE FEDERAL MODEL AND IT'S CHALLENGES The federal model aimed to address grievances and foster political stability by decentralizing power. However, several challenges have plagued the federal system, such as: a. Incompetent federal leadership b. Violations of the constitution c. The politicization of reconstruction projects d. Weak governance e. Corruption f. insecurity g. inter-state tensions Puntland's strained relationship with the federal government. It has cut ties with the federal government more than once, saying that President Hassan broke the law of the country. Some of these violations include issues related to power sharing, resource-sharing, and exclusive state powers, such as the education system, policing, conducting elections, and establishing local governments. THE CASE FOR A CONFEDERATION A confederation model would give the different states in Somalia more freedom and control over their own affairs. This would make it easier for each region to deal with its own problems and needs. This decentralized approach could help to resolve some of the long-standing issues plaguing the nation. POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A CONFEDERATION By adopting a confederation model, Somalia could experience several potential benefits, including: a. Enhanced federal state members' autonomy b. Improved resource management c. Conflict resolution d. Greater political stability e. The attraction of foreign investments PRESIDENT HASSAN'S INTERFERENCE IN PUNTLAND President Hassan has halted several foreign aid projects in Puntland, such as building roads and bridges. This has slowed Puntland's progress. These projects could have made Puntland's residents' lives much better and helped the economy grow in the state of Puntland. President Hassan has used various tactics to pressure Puntland into submission, including weaponizing aid and coercing the Puntland to comply with his demands. These tactics have further damaged the relationship between the federal government and Puntland. CONCLUSION Despite Puntland's contributions to the federal government, Puntland has not seen the expected benefits, and the federal leaders have failed to deliver on their promises. A shift from federation to confederation offers a more promising path toward a new, stable, and prosperous Somalia. This alternative political structure would give each state that is a member of the federal government the power to deal with its own problems while making Somalia more fair and peaceful. Embracing this new pathway could ultimately lead to a brighter future for the nation and its people. Said Noor Saidnoor571@gmail.com