The question that has been lingering through many peoples brain creates much controversy. Is federalism appropriate for a poor which institutions are crumbled and forced them start from scratch country like Somalia? The answer is not complicated to understand. First lets define federalism; it is a union of states under a central government distinct from that of the separate states, who retain certain individual powers under the central government.

This type of government is suited for a country with such diverse people that they are able to be broken up into separate states. They may have different religions, cultures, or speak different languages.

From 2002-2004 , the 14^th NRC (National Reconciliation Conference) was held in Nairobi, Kenya, to established the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia. The transitional Federal government was supposed to set up an independent Federal Constitution Commission shortly after they assumed their position in office. However, four years later it hasn’t even been discussed publicly let alone completed.

There are multiple obstacles in the way of Somalia having a stable government. The neighboring countries such as Kenya, and Ethiopia are great examples. It seems that these countries don’t want Somalia to up rise from their misfortune and regain their pride as a nation. The reason may be because Ethiopia is Land locked, so having the upper hand over Somalia could give them control over the sea also many Somali business people Invested their money in these countries, so if those people realize Somalia is in relative peace they will want to transfer their businesses back to their home land. That being said, The most obvious issue with having a stable government is the destruction and disorganization cause by the ongoing Civil war. This has broken down Somalia and its people. It destroyed the government and resulted in Somalia being ranked below a third world country. This, of course, urges other countries to interfere, which is the reason why Somali aid is directly controlled by foreign governments and agencies, such as the United Nations. The UN helps Somalia to a certain extent but most of the money meant to benefit Somalia is spent in Nairobi. Mainly because the UN agency is set up in that city.

Before the Civil war and all the destruction, Somalia used to have the Unitary system of Government. The Federal system is what most consider to be the main cause of the fueling tension and the accelerating mistrust between different clans in the country. This system of government provided unequal distribution of wealth and unfair portion of government support and aid to the general public of Somalia. In other words, 25%  of Somalis were beneficiary 75% were deprived. For that reason, the grass roots should wake up and take immediate action upon this issue. The federal system eventually led to the crisis and the disintegrated country that we see before us today. Going back to that similar government system in the dark era of tribalism (1960) would be like placing yourself in a political trap. It is truly the only hope Somalia has to switch the federal system into the Unitary system. This type of government has one government, one president, and one flag.  It allows us to be united as one nation.

Somalia is an independent country and having countries interfere with there own issue is belittling. The new Prime minister Somali-American Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed needs to reclaim Somalia’s solidarity and Unity. In doing so, many things are required to be amended starting with the government. There are 500 Members of Parliament and that is far to much for a country like Somalia because they don’t have a budget big enough for 500 people therefore that number must be reduced to at least 50. By building institutional capacity and strengthening parliamentary oversight to the best interest of the people of Somalia we can change their lives for a better future. We must abolish the federal government as well, and all clans must have equal power sharing. In order to achieve this goal, the only system that is well suited for a country like Somalia would be the Unitary System. This type of system is was used in Africa and it is one way that we can be sure equal opportunities and equal protection is provided to all Somali provinces and its people. Although this system of government may be frowned upon in some nations, it is the only way that we can ensure that there is no inequality between different clans. We have to secure the future of the Somali public while no one has a vested political interest. Its the only hope we have to a safe and peaceful nation.

By: Mohamud Shalab

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