Somalia Between Political Challenges and the Quest for Comprehensive Reform

Somalia Between Political Challenges and the Quest for Comprehensive Reform

Somalia is passing through a sensitive phase where political, security, and economic challenges are deeply intertwined with growing public questions about the performance of the current leadership and its ability to meet the people’s expectations for stability, development, and social justice. Instead of strengthening institutional stability, unilateral political decisions have contributed to widening political divisions and weakening trust between the federal government and regional administrations.

One of the most pressing issues is the delay in establishing a clear roadmap for regional and presidential elections. Elections are not merely a routine constitutional obligation but represent the cornerstone of any democratic system. The absence of a transparent and publicly announced timetable fuels political uncertainty, damages the country’s international image, and weakens citizens’ confidence in the state’s commitment to constitutional principles.

In Mogadishu, land disputes and complaints related to property confiscation continue to rise, reflecting one of the most sensitive social challenges in a society that has endured long periods of conflict. Protecting private property rights and ensuring fairness in land administration are essential tests of governmental credibility and respect for citizens’ rights without discrimination. Allowing these crises to persist without just solutions threatens social cohesion and undermines public stability.

On the security front, several regions are still facing serious threats, including ongoing clashes in the Southwest region alongside persistent militant risks in other areas. The deterioration of the security situation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy based on coordination between the federal government and regional authorities, away from narrow political calculations and short-term interests.

Economically, Somali citizens continue to suffer from rising living costs, limited employment opportunities, and the weakness of basic public services. Addressing these daily hardships requires clear economic policies that tackle the root causes of the crisis, promote transparency in resource management, and ensure fair distribution of opportunities among different segments of society.

Overcoming this critical stage requires genuine political will to restore the spirit of national consensus, adhere to constitutional provisions, and announce a transparent electoral timetable with guarantees of fairness and integrity. Somalia’s future cannot be built on centralized decision-making alone but must be based on partnership, rule of law, and respect for the people’s aspirations for a stable and just state.