Federalism vs Centralization: Choosing the Right Governance Model for Somalia
Governance structures profoundly influence a nation's stability, development and unity. For Somalia, a nation recovering from decades of conflict and fragmentation, the debate between federalism and centralization remains pivotal. This article examines the opportunities and challenges of both governance models, exploring their implications for Somalia’s socio-political stability, national unity and development. Introduction Somalia, situated at the Horn of Africa, is navigating a complex governance journey amidst historical, social and political challenges. Since adopting a federal system in 2004, Somalia has aimed to reconcile regional autonomy with national unity. However, persistent tensions between federal and central authorities have raised questions about the suitability of federalism in the Somali context. This article evaluates the merits and drawbacks of federalism versus a centralized governance system, with a focus on Somalia’s unique sociopolitical landscape. The ...