PO23_Colonial Legacies, Clan Politics and Contested Federalism: Analysis of Governance Issues in Somalia

Somalia’s governance structure results from three fundamental factors that include historical legacies combined with tribal clan systems and state building initiatives in the present day. Somalia gained independent in 1960 after colonial years yet civil war started in 1991. This study analyses Somalia’s governance issues as it looks a current limitation while exploring challenges of federalism from the source of the literature review. The findings emphasize the enduring weaknesses that originate from deep corruption, political instability, week rule of law, poor government effectiveness, and limited voice and accountability stemming from clan conflicts, federal disputes, and continuing influence from vested groups. The decentralized system of power through federalism struggles to achieve inclusive governance mainly due to competing ideological views, and constitutional ambiguous of power distribution along with dispute of resource sharing. The study suggest enhancing institutional reform and fiscal transparency measures and advocating political procedures that secure all participants. This study underscores multifaceted reforms to advance Somalia’s path toward sustainable governance and legitimacy.