Somali National News Agency
So
Ar
Search
  • Home
  • Local News
    Local NewsShow More
    Prime Minister Hamza Visits Historic City of Carta in Djibouti
    June 3, 2025
    Somalia Participates in Global Mining and Environmental Development Conference in Accra
    June 3, 2025
    Deputy PM Closes National Conference on Arms Control and Counter-IED Strategy in Mogadishu
    June 3, 2025
    Minister Robow: Somali Language has been added to Hajj Sermon Translations
    June 3, 2025
    Upper House Speaker Pays Tribute at Kremlin Wall of Remembrance During Official Visit to Russia
    June 3, 2025
  • World News
    World NewsShow More
    Machine Gun, AK-47 Rifles Recovered as 4 Al-Shabaab Terrorists are Killed in Garissa
    June 3, 2025
    Israel kills 2 Gaza aid seekers as UN warns of ‘catastrophic hunger’
    May 31, 2025
    A miraculous story of a Hujjaj from Libya
    May 27, 2025
    UNA Participates in International Conference on Islamophobia in Azerbaijan
    May 27, 2025
    At least 11 hurt in South Carolina beach town shooting
    May 26, 2025
  • Articles
    ArticlesShow More
    A miraculous story of a Hujjaj from Libya
    May 27, 2025
    Nation First, Politics Later: PM Hamza Appeals to Youth Amid Growing Political Tensions
    May 24, 2025
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to be present at the signing ceremony in Hong Kong on May 30.
    China Leads Historic Effort to Establish International Mediation Body
    May 24, 2025
    From Yunnan to Somalia: A Path Out of Poverty
    May 13, 2025
    Doha Hosts the 26th Session of the Council Conference of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy
    May 4, 2025
  • Business
    BusinessShow More
    Somalia Unveils the Blueprint for a Modern and Sustainable Mogadishu
    December 21, 2024
    Djibouti Launches $57.4 Million Youth Entrepreneurship Project to Combat Climate Change
    November 25, 2024
    FM meets Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia
    October 28, 2024
    President Hassan Sheikh Inaugurates New LPG Storage Center in Mogadishu
    May 12, 2024
    Collaboration of ICT transformation for digital Infrastructure
    October 24, 2023
  • Sports
    SportsShow More
    Mogadishu Stadium to Host Star-Studded Match Featuring Somali Legends and International Football Icons
    May 27, 2025
    Arsenal held at Brighton while Man City bounce-back continues
    January 5, 2025
    Galmudug wins the Inter-State Football Tournament
    January 29, 2024
    Somalia set for two int’l friendlies ahead of WC qualifier clashes against Algeria and Uganda
    October 10, 2023
    Chicago woman, 104, skydives from plane, aiming for record as the world’s oldest skydiver
    October 3, 2023
  • Tenders
    TendersShow More
    Quay Renovation Works – Supply and Installation of Fenders and Bollards
    April 11, 2025
Reading: Navigating the Abyss: The collapse of the Somali State, adoption of federal system and Pathways to State-Building
Share
Font ResizerAa
Somali National News AgencySomali National News Agency
  • SOMALI
  • ARABIC
Search
  • Home
  • Local News
  • World News
  • Articles
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tenders
Follow US
©2023 || All rights reserved SONNA
Somali National News Agency > Blog > Mind & Brain > Opinion > Navigating the Abyss: The collapse of the Somali State, adoption of federal system and Pathways to State-Building
Opinion

Navigating the Abyss: The collapse of the Somali State, adoption of federal system and Pathways to State-Building

By Khadar Aweys
Last updated: June 1, 2025
10 Min Read
Share

Introduction

Colonization significantly altered the political systems of much of the Southern Hemisphere, replacing traditional governance based on local values with Western colonial systems. The newly independent states that emerged in the 1950s inherited this western style of government, imposed by colonial powers. However, this adopted governance began to dissolve after the Cold War. Not only did the bipolar interstate system of global order break down, but in many regions, the very foundations of the state itself collapsed.

Somalia is one of the states that experienced State collapse. State collapse is a more complex phenomena than mere rebellion, terrorism, coups, or civil unrest. It signifies a situation in which the governance structure, legitimate authority, rule of law, and political order have disintegrated, necessitating reconstitution in some form.

The collapse of established orders, particularly the state, often catalyzes a retreat to ethnic nationalism as the most viable identity. One hypothesis worth exploring is that, upon state collapse, order and power devolve to local groups or become contested. This scenario unfolded in Somalia following the state’s collapse in 1991, where power dynamics shifted frequently as local entities contended with attempts to re-establish governance. In this context, Somaliland claimed self-independence, Puntland emerged as a semi-autonomous region, and other various groups controlled portions of Somalia through their own militias. During this period, the Somali state, as a legitimate and functioning entity effectively ceased to exist.

This Article seeks to offer a nuanced understanding of the efforts, challenges and opportunities involved in rebuilding Somalia as a cohesive and functional state and ultimately proposing potential pathways for effective state-building.

Reconstruction of the Somali State

To reconstruct the collapsed state of Somalia, there have been Series attempts at reconciliation through conferences in neighboring countries, including Djibouti in June and July 1991, Addis Ababa in March 1993, Sodere from November 1996 to January 1997, and Cairo in December 1997. Unfortunately, non these peace processes aimed at bringing stability and reviving the Somali state proved to be successful.

Then came, The Somalia National Peace Conference (SNPC), also known as the Djibouti Conference. This were chain of peace talks held in Arta, Djibouti, from April 20 to May 5, 2000. Unlike previous reconciliation efforts, the Arta Conference featured extensive participation from unarmed civic leaders, including intellectuals, clan elders and religious leaders, and members of the business community. The outcome of these meetings was the Arta Declaration and the establishment of the Transitional National Government (TNG), which marked the first Somali government since 1991 to achieve a degree of international recognition, restore law and order and reclaim Somalia’s seat at the United Nations and other regional bodies. This was the first government of Somalia’s Third Republic.

However, the TNG, led by President Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, faced significant opposition from the Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SRRC), a rival movement composed of warlords from various regions. This internal opposition was just one of many challenges the TNG would encounter. Had the TNG not faced such resistance from fellow Somalis, Somalia’s journey toward state-building could have been on a much more positive trajectory.

In an effort to reconcile the Transitional National Government (TNG) with its adversaries in the Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SRRC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) initiated a national reconciliation process before the TNG’s mandate had expired. The Somali National Reconciliation Conference was held in Eldoret, Kenya, in October 2002, resulting in a ceasefire agreement signed by 24 faction leaders. This agreement emphasized the need to create a federal structure, reversing the unitary system established at the Arta Conference. Although the federal model, while initially externally supported, continues to evolve in response to Somalia’s unique context.

In September 2003, another Somali National Reconciliation Conference was convened in Nairobi, Kenya. This conference received endorsement from the IGAD summit of 2003 and support from the African Union, the Arab League, and the United Nations. During the conference, the Transitional National Government (TNG) and the Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council (SRRC) reconciled, leading to the formation of a new united entity called the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). The outcome was the formal adoption of a Federal Transitional Charter. This was followed by the inauguration of a Transitional Federal Parliament in August 2004 and the election of a president later that year, with Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed assuming leadership of the new government.

This shift to federalism introduced both opportunities and unforeseen challenges in the quest for a viable state in Somalia. While it was perceived as a way to address Somalia’s deep ethnic fragmentation, reversing the established political framework from a unitary system to federalism proved contested and complex in its implementation. This decision initiated a new political challenge in Somalia, which became evident at later stage between the federal member states and the federal government, highlighting the instability of their working relationship.

Challenges of Federalism

In 2012, the adoption of a new provisional constitution mandated the establishment of federal member states in Somalia. With Puntland as the only existing federal state, new challenges emerged as clans across various regions vied for leadership in the soon-to-be-formed states. While federal member states were established, this also introduced the risk of foreign interference. Neighboring countries and distant nations began influencing these new entities and meddling in Somalia’s domestic politics. It is well-known that countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have sought to influence the federal government through Jubaland, Somaliland, and Southwest State. The external influence in Somali politics remains a concern that requires strong institutions and clear sovereignty frameworks. In addition to neighboring countries, foreign nations such as the UAE have also engaged with the federal government, particularly through Puntland. This internal interference stems from the weaknesses inherent in the federal structure imposed upon Somalia.

This situation has often led to frictions between the federal government and the federal member states. Such tensions not only undermine the processes of state-building and peace-building in Somalia but also threaten to reverse the successes achieved over the past two decades. The influence of foreign powers exacerbates these challenges, making it crucial for Somalia to strengthen its federal structure and foster unity among its states to safeguard its progress.

Pathways to Successful State Building in Somalia

Successful state-building in Somalia requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes inclusive and local ownership. Engaging various clans and communities in the decision-making process is essential to foster trust and cooperation among the diverse population. This can be achieved by trying to fix grievances that happened as a result of clan power sharing at both federal and state levels. Establishing a strong, representative governance structure that incorporates the voices of all stakeholders can help mitigate tensions and promote a sense of belonging. Additionally, investing in education and capacity-building initiatives will empower local leaders and institutions, enabling them to address the needs of their communities effectively. However, not Somali led the federalism is, yet Somalia has adopted a federal structure and majority of the population seem to be confused about. A way forward could be socializing the federalism to the Somali population.

Another critical pathway is enhancing security and stability through effective law enforcement and conflict resolution mechanisms. Strengthening the national security forces while promoting community policing can help restore public confidence and reduce violence. Furthermore, fostering economic development by encouraging investment and creating job opportunities will contribute to social cohesion and diminish the appeal of extremist groups. By combining inclusive governance, security enhancement, and economic growth, Somalia can lay a solid foundation for lasting peace and sustainable state-building.

BY: Mohamed Ali Shire

Political Scientist and Researcher

Mohshire7@gmail.com

Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Copy Link Print

MORE NEWS

Official Reopening of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Archives

CultureEducationLocal News
November 23, 2024

Kenya’s small farmers find respite in avocados amid changing climate

NAIROBI(SONNA) As crop diseases and pests rise in Kenya amid a rapidly changing climate that…

March 11, 2023

Prime Minister Hamza Visits Historic City of Carta in Djibouti

Carta, (SONNA) — The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi…

June 3, 2025

Nimcaan Hilaac appointed to lead Waberi National Band

Mogadishu (SONNA)-Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed…

March 3, 2020

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

The Significance of Security Cooperation Between Somalia and Egypt

Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia and Egypt have recently reached a landmark security cooperation agreement, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral…

Local NewsOpinion
August 16, 2024

Somalia’s Historic First Appearance at the EAC Heads of State Summit Marks a New Era of Regional Unity and Progress

Article by Abdiqani Abdullahi Ahmed Mogadishu, SONNA: Somalia recently made its debut at the East African Community (EAC) Heads of…

ArticlesEACLocal NewsOpinionPolitics
December 1, 2024

Opinion: Preparing Somalia for 1P1V—Security, Stability, and Strategy

Historical Context of Somali Elections Somalia’s journey toward establishing a democratic electoral system has been long and fraught with challenges.…

ArticlesLocal NewsOpinionPolitics
August 16, 2024

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Leading Somalia Forward Despite the Relentless Naysayers

Let’s face it, leading Somalia is no walk in the park. Yet, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has proven time and…

Opinion
December 24, 2024

Somali National News Agency established in 1964. It is one of the main pillars of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

  • Home
  • Local News
  • World News
  • Articles
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tenders
  • SNTV
  • RADIO MOGADISHU
  • DALKA JOURNAL
  • TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Follow US: 

  • MoICT
  • VILLA SOMALIA
  • OPM SOMALIA

All rights reserved SONNA

©2023

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?