By M.A
More than ten years after Somalia adopted a federal system of governance, the promises of decentralization and stability remain largely unmet. Power struggles, weak institutions, and an unfinished constitution have led many Somalis to question whether the federal model is truly working or if the country needs to chart a new course.
A System Born from Hope
Somalia’s 2012 provisional constitution established a federal republic that divided power between the central government and several regional states. The goal was to prevent the return of dictatorship, balance clan power, and bring decision-making closer to the people.
In theory, federalism was meant to heal old wounds. In practice, it has often deepened divisions. The relationship between Mogadishu and the regional states remains marked by mistrust and constant disputes over authority, resources, and representation.
Unclear Roles and Weak Cooperation
One of the greatest challenges is that Somalia’s federal system lacks clear rules. The constitution does not clearly define how powers and resources should be shared between the federal and state levels. As a result, both sides often accuse each other of overstepping their authority.
Several regional states control their own ports and customs revenues, while the federal government struggles to assert fiscal control. This fragmentation hinders development and limits access to basic public services.
Security and Political Tensions
The ongoing threat from Al-Shabaab exposes the weaknesses of Somalia’s governance structure. Poor coordination between federal and state security forces has undermined the fight against terrorism. At the same time, clan-based rivalries and elite interests often overshadow national priorities.
Instead of fostering unity, federalism has at times become a political weapon used by power holders to strengthen their own influence rather than build a cohesive nation.
A Constitution in Limbo
Somalia still operates under a provisional constitution. Efforts to finalize it have stalled due to disagreements over key questions: How many federal states should there be? What powers should they have? How should national revenues be shared?
Without clear answers, the system remains fragile and incomplete.
Reform or Restart?
The debate over Somalia’s future governance model is gaining momentum. Some argue that federalism has failed and should be replaced with a strong central government supported by local administrations, similar to Kenya’s devolution system.
Others believe that the solution is not to abandon federalism but to reform it — to finalize the constitution, clarify the division of powers, and establish mechanisms for joint management of security and resources.
The Way Forward
Somalia’s challenge is not simply to choose between federalism and centralization, but to create a system of governance that truly serves its people. Federalism can still succeed if national leaders prioritize cooperation over competition and work toward genuine power-sharing and accountability.
Somalia’s future will depend less on the system it adopts and more on the political will to make that system serve the entire nation rather than divide it.
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