LIISKA WARSHADIHII SOOMAALIYA 30 SANO KA HOR:
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
The list of Somali factories 30 years ago
Why is Somalia still under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter and what is its impact on National Sovereignty?
Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Charter is a provision that allows the Security Council to intervene in a country experiencing crises, aimed at preventing such crises from disrupting international peace and security.
This intervention includes sanctions, economic, diplomatic, and military force. Since the inclusion of Chapter 7 in the United Nations Charter, it has been used in several countries experiencing conflict and political instability, including: Somalia (1992), Iraq (1990), Bosnia (1995), Liberia (2003), Côte d'Ivoire (2004), Sudan (2005), Libya (2011), and others.
Somalia, a country plagued by civil wars, terrorism, and prolonged state collapse, for over two decades has been under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter. Following the collapse of Siad Barre's regime in 1991, the country descended into a state of lawlessness, with numerous factions fighting for control, including clan-based groups, warlords, religious organizations, and powerful pirates disrupting international maritime trade.
This chaotic situation was seen as a threat to international peace and security, leading the UN Security Council to intervene, placing Somalia under Chapter 7.
Countries under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter do not have full sovereignty. For example, the Security Council can interfere at any time with the internal affairs of that country, such as:
Chapter 7 has led Somalia to admit foreign troops without consultation, including the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This can be seen as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty. However, considering how the Federal Government has managed its internal security and the impact it has had on regional stability, the international community sees this intervention as a necessity.
So, to get Somalia out of Chapter 7, there needs to be a restoration of peace, stability, and the functioning of the federal government and regional administrations. A government that controls its territory manages its borders, and fulfills its international obligations is a prerequisite.
Nevertheless, this effort must be led by the Somali government, and supported by the international community, and it should become a beacon of good governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
In conclusion, although Chapter VII has played a crucial role in international efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia, the country's exit from Chapter 7 depends on its ability to overcome the challenges it has faced to reach a future of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Conflict of Interest in Garowe, Somalia
Main Perspectives:
- Government's Perspective
- Aran Jan Group's Perspective
- Clan Elders' Perspective
Subtopics:
Government's Perspective
- Democratic Philosophy and Mandate: The government, having the mandate to lead the country, strongly upholds a democratic system "for the people, by the people". It aims to implement a "one man, one vote" system.
- Transition to Multi-Party System: The government intends to amend the constitution, extending the number of political parties from three to five, to enhance diversity and representation.
- Public Support: Election authorities report nearly 400,000 registered voters, and 3,775 candidates from seven political parties, including the ruling Kaah party, are on the ballot across 33 districts in local elections.
- Opposition to Clan-Based Selection: The government stands against the current system where clan elders select parliamentary members based on clan affiliation, seeing it as prone to corruption and vote buying.
- No Official Mandate: Unlike the government, the Aran Jan group does not hold a formal mandate to direct the country, yet it exerts influence through its opposition to democratic processes.
- Resistance to Democratic Elections: The group, based in Garowe, stands against the democratic election process advocated by the government.
- Advocacy for Clan-Based Selection: They endorse the clan elders' system of parliamentary member selection, a process potentially susceptible to corruption and vote buying.
- Support from Federal Leaders: The group receives financial backing from federal leaders who perceive democratic elections as a threat to the clan-based 4.5 formula election system that brought them to power. These leaders believe that due to security concerns in South and Central Somalia, they won't hold a "one person, one vote" system in the 2026 federal election.
- Desire to Maintain Status Quo: Clan elders aim to maintain the current system, resisting changes that threaten their traditional authority and the clan-based selection process.
- Opposition to Democratic Elections: They reject the "one man, one vote" principle, believing it could undermine their power in parliamentary member selection.
- Support for Clan Representation: They argue that the clan-based system ensures all clans receive adequate representation in the parliament.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
The Ongoing Conflicts in Somalia: A Complex Web of State-Society Relations, Religious Discourses, Elite Power Struggles, and Politicized Clan Dynamics
As of 2023, Somalia is embroiled in a complex web of conflicts marked by state-society tensions, religious extremism, elite power contests, and politicized clan dynamics. This multifaceted conflict landscape underscores the intricate socio-political context of Somalia, calling for nuanced strategies for peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Tensions Between State and Society:
A notable facet of Somalia's current issues is the tension between the federal government and the states it oversees. Critics point to a divisive strategy by the central government, based in Mogadishu, suggesting it seeks to amass power by weakening member states of the federation. Allegations of government interference in regional conflicts, particularly in the case of Garowe in Puntland, is seen as an attempt to destabilize a stronghold of federalism and democracy in the country. As Puntland pioneers democratic governance with its 'one person one vote' elections, such interferences indicate the significant chasm between state and society, and highlight struggles for power and control.
Conflict Under the Guise of Religion:
In the religious arena, extremism, chiefly through the militant Islamist group Al-Shabab, intensifies Somalia's instability. Predominantly active in South and Central Somalia, Al-Shabab has inflicted considerable damage, opposing the democratization process while advocating for nationwide Sharia law. Their use of religious sentiments to achieve political objectives not only undermines the government's authority but also widens social and political schisms.
Elite Power Struggles:
Amid this turbulent backdrop, power disputes among the political elite add a further layer of complexity. A prime example is the group known as "Aran Jan" in Puntland, allegedly backed by external entities aiming to destabilize Puntland. They strive to usurp power by subverting the democratic choices of the populace. Such elite conflicts, characterized by manipulation, coercion, and violence, pose substantial threats to regional peace and stability.
Politicized Clan Dynamics:
Inextricably linked to these power struggles are the politically charged clan conflicts. Clan identity is deeply embedded in Somali politics and society and is manipulated by groups like "Aran Jan" to provoke intra-clan disputes. Such politically incited conflicts disrupt social cohesion and hinder progress toward more democratic governance.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflicts in Somalia represent a convoluted amalgam of state-society discord, religious extremism, elite power disputes, and politicized clan dynamics. Tackling these challenges necessitates a comprehensive strategy that promotes inclusive governance, counters extremism, mediates elite disputes, and depoliticizes clan identities. The path towards stability and peace in Somalia is undoubtedly arduous, but it is within reach with concerted and strategic efforts.
Sunday, June 18, 2023
President Deni's Emphasis on Accountability in Somalia's Political Transformation
In the intricate landscape of Somalia's politics and state-building processes, accountability has been brought to the forefront by President Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland State. With a focus on fundamental rights, security, and economic stability, the ongoing transformation is marked by complexity, conflict, and a common pursuit of progress. President Deni's recent address highlighted a missing piece of the puzzle - an explicit call for enhanced accountability in the federal government.
The essence of accountability lies in the responsibility of entities, particularly those in power, to explain, justify, and take responsibility for their actions. This becomes especially pivotal in a state-building process like the one Somalia is currently undergoing. As it emerges from decades of conflict and instability, the establishment of trustworthy, accountable institutions is an imperative step in the nation's journey towards sustainable peace and development.
President Deni underlined this crucial element in his speech by stating, "What are we missing from the federal government? Somalia is undergoing political and state-building processes, where accountability plays pivotal roles. Let's hold the federal government accountable, just as you hold me accountable." This statement serves as a crucial call to action for all stakeholders in the state-building process. It underscores the need for accountability, not just at a local or regional level, but equally, if not more, at the federal level.
Accountability in the federal government can lead to enhanced trust among Somalia's population and international partners, improving cooperation and fostering stability. More importantly, it ensures that decisions and policies made at the highest level are in the best interests of the people and the country as a whole. Therefore, President Deni's emphasis on this aspect can be seen as a pathway towards an effective, transparent, and representative federal government in Somalia.
Furthermore, the concept of accountability extends to the socio-political dynamic between leaders and the populace. The remark, "just as you hold me accountable," implies the essence of democratic engagement. Citizens, who are the ultimate bearers of the consequences of political decisions, must take an active role in monitoring and questioning the actions of their leaders. This call for public engagement in the accountability process enhances the democratic principles within the state-building process, ensuring that the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people.
However, establishing accountability within the federal government and the wider political structure in Somalia is not an overnight task. It requires structural reforms, robust institutions, political will, and societal change, among other things. For this to happen, Somalia needs support from its international partners, both in terms of resources and expertise.
President Deni's plea for federal accountability could mark a turning point in Somalia's state-building process. It serves as a rallying call for all those involved, domestically and internationally, to ensure that accountability becomes a cornerstone of Somalia's political future. Only then can the federal government truly fulfill its mandate, safeguarding the interests of its citizens and steering the nation towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
"The Puntland Government of Somalia: Proposals for Solutions to Challenges Surrounding State Building in Somalia"
- Political Challenges:
The central challenge is Mogadishu's consistent failure to implement political and legal agreements between Puntland and the Federal Government. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has recurrently circumvented its constitutional mandates, limiting the roles of the Federal Member States (FMS). On 27th May 2023, the FGS issued a non-inclusive statement intending to abolish the constitutional Government structure, risking both the Federal Government and the FMS to collapse.
- The Puntland's Approach:
The Puntland Government considers the National Consultative Council (NCC) as an ad-hoc, non-legally binding platform ill-equipped to settle the national contentious issues. The platform has failed to present an inclusive state-building agenda, proposing unconstitutional and non-inclusive initiatives instead. Thus, the Puntland Government has decided to negotiate bilaterally with the Federal Government of Somalia.
- Nation-wide Challenges:
In addition to grappling with political, security, financial, and technical challenges, the following issues have become integral challenges that Somalis are yet to fully resolve. The Puntland Government is thus providing its perspective on the solutions to these nation-wide challenges.
- Proposed Solutions:
Solutions proposed by the Puntland Government include:
- Finalizing the Provisional Federal Constitution: Through a bilateral agreement between the Federal and Puntland Government, harmonizing the Federal and Puntland Constitutions, and a public referendum.
- Delineation of Governmental Powers: The FGS should exercise powers enshrined in the Provisional Federal Constitution through consultations while the powers not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution should be vested with the FMS.
- Distribution of National Resources and International Development Aid: Puntland government advocates for direct engagement of donors with the State Government and each Member State should negotiate with FGS separately for resource allocation.
- Administration of Revenue and National Fiscal policy: Puntland advocates for FMS to control the development, management, and utilization of economic infrastructures within their territories.
- The Issue of Somaliland: Puntland Government suggests resolving the issue through dialogue while maintaining the territorial integrity and unity of Somalia.
- Status of the Capital City: Puntland welcomes consensus agreement on the status of the capital city.
- Implementation of Federal Government Regulations: Regulations prepared without consultation should not be recognized until they are renegotiated and agreed upon.
- Implementation of Democratic Elections: The Government of Puntland proposes conducting democratic elections at all levels, with the respective FMS responsible for preparation, scheduling, implementation, and monitoring of elections.
- Building National Security Forces: Puntland calls for the establishment, training, and equipping of the Darawish and police forces at the FMS level.
- Conflict in Laascaanood: Puntland condemns the recent attacks by the Somaliland administration and commits to providing humanitarian assistance for the victims of the conflict.
Conclusion:
The Puntland Government of Somalia, recognizing the challenges facing the nation, is actively participating in dialogue and negotiations with the FGS and other stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the people of Somalia. Through its proposals, Puntland hopes to address the primary obstacles facing the nation and pave the way for a successful state-building process. It underscores the importance of inclusivity, dialogue, negotiation, and respect for constitutional provisions in achieving these aims.