Reflecting on Somali Federalism: Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Abstract

This article examines the lessons learned from the implementation of federalism in Somalia and explores future directions for strengthening the country’s federal governance system. Following the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991, federalism emerged as a political framework intended to address state fragmentation, promote regional autonomy, and facilitate inclusive governance. However, the implementation of federalism has encountered substantial institutional and political challenges, including constitutional ambiguities, disputes over power-sharing, weak institutional capacity, and disagreements concerning resource allocation and security coordination.

Using a qualitative research methodology, this study analyzes constitutional documents, policy reports, academic literature, and governance frameworks related to Somali federalism. The findings indicate that effective federal governance requires constitutional clarity, functional intergovernmental relations, institutional capacity-building, and equitable resource-sharing mechanisms. The study further demonstrates that sustainable federalism depends not only on formal constitutional arrangements but also on political trust, inclusive governance, and cooperative state-building processes.

The article concludes that although federalism remains a viable mechanism for managing diversity and decentralizing governance in Somalia, its long-term sustainability depends on comprehensive constitutional reform, institutional strengthening, and sustained political cooperation among federal and regional actors. These reforms are critical for advancing political stability, democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development in Somalia.