The Somalia Factor: Issues and Perspectives

With the re-emergence of Somalia after 31 years of a struggle for rescue, survival and co-existence, the country is once again on the right track and the century seems to be Somalia’s. Three main areas make interesting milestones: Somalia’s position vis-à-vis current developments in the East and Horn of Africa, the ongoing ‘indirect’ elections and ongoing, but natural, post-conflict reconstruction in Somalia. Somalia has made significant improvement, and, despite its handling of recent domestic difficulties, it also resisted international pressure, in order to preserve national sovereignty. There are several issues; too much external interference, an imposed ‘federal’ system of governance, and the interim constitution is not yet official. On all the conferences held outside Somalia, there was also a debate as to whether they were politically oriented peace ‘talks’ or genuine peace ‘processes’. This means there is also a more interesting debate as to whether there has been any kind of ‘elections’. If the past is of any guide, however, and we know issues come and go, Somalia will resurface, elections will be held and a more meaningful post-conflict reconstruction conducted as the ongoing process shall help effect change and the new government will be completely different in terms of mandate, body politics, and institutional competence. This includes a more meaningful post-conflict reconstruction and development for the entire country; one which helps Somalia learn from other strikingly similar and profound variations from African countries, for example, post-apartheid South Africa and post-genocide Rwanda, and make real efforts toward re-establishing justice by significantly investing in economic growth, infrastructural development and social service delivery, including quality education.