By Mohamed Ali ( Geelmaal)
In the complex landscape of Somalia’s governance, there is a growing disconnect between the federal government’s exaggerated claims of national authority and the reality on the ground. While the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud projects an image of centralized control, its actual influence is largely confined to Mogadishu and its immediate surroundings. In contrast, the Federal Member States (FMS) are the de facto authorities within their jurisdictions, providing essential public services and maintaining stability for their citizens.
This article examines the overstatement of federal power, the importance of local governance, and the dangerous trend towards centralization that threatens Somalia’s fragile federal system.
The Reality of Limited Federal Authority
The Somali Federal Government, based in Mogadishu, often portrays itself as the primary authority across the entire country. However, this portrayal does not align with the realities on the ground. The federal government’s control is significantly limited, extending mostly to Mogadishu and parts of its environs. Beyond these areas, the influence of the federal government diminishes drastically, with many regions operating autonomously under the leadership of their respective FMS.
These FMS—Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Southwest, and Hirshabelle—are the real governing entities in their regions. They are responsible for providing public services such as education, healthcare, and security, and they maintain direct relationships with their citizens. The FMS are also the primary actors in implementing development projects and managing local resources. Their effectiveness in governance stands in stark contrast to the federal government’s limited reach.
The Constitutional Basis for Decentralized Federalism
The Somali Constitution, adopted in 2012, clearly outlines a federal system designed to distribute power between the central government and the FMS. This decentralized arrangement was intended to ensure that governance is more responsive to the diverse needs of Somalia’s regions and to prevent the concentration of power that has historically led to conflict in the country.
Under this system, FMS are granted significant autonomy, including the authority to manage their internal affairs and resources. The Constitution enshrines the principle of subsidiarity, where decisions are made as closely as possible to the people they affect. This approach recognizes the diverse historical, geographical, economic, and political landscapes of Somalia’s regions and aims to empower local governance structures.
The Federal Government’s Push for Centralization
Despite the clear constitutional mandate for decentralized federalism, the federal government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has pursued an aggressive agenda to concentrate power and resources at the center. This agenda includes attempts to bypass the autonomy of FMS through unilateral decisions on key issues such as security, resource allocation, and constitutional amendments. These actions are not only unconstitutional but also risk destabilizing the delicate balance of power that the federal system was designed to maintain.
The federal government’s push for centralization is further exacerbated by its control over international aid and development funds. By politicizing aid distribution, the federal government has created an environment where FMS are pressured to align with central policies, often at the expense of their autonomy. This centralization of resources has led to delays and disruptions in the delivery of essential services in the regions, undermining the effectiveness of local governance.
The Role of the International Community
The international community, particularly donor nations and organizations, has played a significant role in shaping Somalia’s governance landscape. However, their support for a centralized “one country” approach is increasingly out of touch with the realities on the ground. This approach, which emphasizes a strong central government, overlooks the importance of local governance and the constitutional basis for federalism in Somalia.
By channeling aid and support exclusively through the federal government, international donors inadvertently contribute to the marginalization of FMS and the erosion of the federal system. This blind support for centralization fails to recognize the effective governance provided by FMS and risks exacerbating tensions between the central government and the regions.
Recommendations for Moving Forward
To address the current challenges and safeguard Somalia’s federal system, the following recommendations are proposed:
Reaffirming Constitutional Federalism: The federal government and the international community must reaffirm their commitment to the decentralized federal system enshrined in the Somali Constitution. This includes respecting the autonomy of FMS and ensuring that any constitutional amendments are made with the consensus of all key stakeholders.
Enhancing Local Governance: FMS should be empowered and supported to continue providing essential services to their citizens. This includes ensuring that they have direct access to international aid and development resources without undue interference from the central government.
Promoting Inclusive Dialogue: A national dialogue should be convened to address the current tensions between the federal government and FMS. This dialogue should include representatives from all regions, clans, and political groups, with the aim of reaching a consensus on the future of Somalia’s federal system.
Balancing International Support: The international community should reassess its approach to supporting Somalia. Aid and development assistance should be distributed equitably among the FMS, recognizing their role as primary governance entities. Donors should also engage directly with FMS to understand their needs and challenges better.
Strengthening the Rule of Law: The federal government must respect the rule of law and the constitutional framework that governs Somalia. Any attempts to centralize power or bypass the autonomy of FMS should be met with firm opposition from both domestic and international actors.
Promoting inclusive and decentralized grass root level governance.
Federal member states should promote inclusive governance at every level and evolve decision making power at grass root level. Such initiative must accommodate minorities, women, youth,disabled, and other socially excluded groups.
Conclusion
The exaggerated claims of centralized authority by the Somali Federal Government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud are not only misleading but also dangerous for the future of Somalia’s federal system. The real power in Somalia lies with the Federal Member States, which are the true providers of governance and public services to their citizens.
To preserve the federal system and ensure sustainable development, it is essential to respect and strengthen the autonomy of FMS, reaffirm the principles of constitutional federalism, and promote a more balanced and inclusive approach to governance in Somalia.
Mohamed Ali ( Geelmaal)
Email: geel114@gmail.com
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