HOW THE SOMALI MODERN GOVERNANCE WORKS WITH THE TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE SYSTEM: LITERATURE REVIEW

Year 2024, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 29 - 53, 04.08.2024

Afifa Warsame

https://doi.org/10.58851/africania.1457965

Abstract

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has a complex history influenced by tribalism, colonialism, and internal conflict. During the colonial era, European powers collaborated with clan leaders, resulting in Somalia's division along clan and tribal lines. This division led to the creation of artificial borders, which fragmented the land and fostered regional and clan-based identities. After gaining independence in 1960, Somalia initially aimed to establish a strong, centralized state. The Siad Barre regime, which came to power through a military coup in 1969, tried to suppress clan and regional identities in favor of a communist ideology. However, the regime's downfall in 1991 plunged Somalia into a prolonged period of violence and state collapse. Warlords and clan-based factions fought for power, leading to a protracted civil war. This paper analyzes the intricate relationship between Somalia's traditional and modern governance systems. It examines the potential for collaboration, the challenges faced in nation-building efforts, and the lasting impact of clan-based structures. The study begins by exploring traditional governance, highlighting the important role of customary law, elders, and religious clerics in consensus-building mechanisms and maintaining social harmony. It emphasizes the historical significance and contemporary relevance of these institutions. The paper then delves into the challenges involved in establishing a modern state in Somalia. It examines the obstacles that hinder the realization of democratic ideals and the establishment of a centralized administration. A key focus is evaluating the potential synergies and conflicts between traditional and modern systems.

Keywords

somali customary law, xeer, 4.5 power sharing, TNG, TFG, Somali government

SOMALİ MODERN YÖNETİMİNİN GELENEKSEL YÖNETİM SİSTEMİ İLE NASIL ÇALIŞTIĞI: LİTERATÜR TARAMASI

Abstract

Afrika Boynuzu'nda yer alan Somali'nin kabilecilik, sömürgecilik ve iç çatışmalardan etkilenen karmaşık bir tarihi vardır. Sömürge döneminde Avrupalı güçler, klan liderleriyle iş birliği yapmış ve bu durum Somali'nin klan ve kabile hatlarına göre bölünmesine yol açmıştır. Bu bölünme, toprağı parçalayan ve bölgesel ve klan temelli kimlikleri besleyen yapay sınırların oluşmasına yol açmıştır. Somali, 1960 yılında bağımsızlığını kazandıktan sonra başlangıçta güçlü, merkezi bir devlet kurmayı hedeflemiştir. 1969 yılında askeri darbeyle iktidara gelen Siad Barre rejimi, komünist ideoloji uğruna aşiret ve bölgesel kimlikleri bastırmaya çalışmıştır. Ancak rejimin 1991'deki devrilmesi, Somali'yi uzun bir şiddet dönemine ve devletin çöküşüne sürüklemiştir. Savaş ağaları ve klan temelli gruplar iktidar için savaşmış ve bu da uzun süren bir iç savaşa yol açmıştır. Bu makale, Somali'nin geleneksel ve modern yönetim sistemleri arasındaki karmaşık ilişkiyi analiz etmektedir. İş birliği potansiyelini, ulus inşa etme çabalarında karşılaşılan zorlukları ve klan temelli yapıların kalıcı etkisini inceliyor. Çalışma, geleneksel yönetimi keşfederek, geleneksel hukukun, yaşlıların ve din adamlarının fikir birliği oluşturma mekanizmalarında ve sosyal uyumu sürdürmedeki önemli rolünü vurgulayarak başlıyor. Bu kurumların tarihsel önemini ve çağdaş önemini vurgulamaktadır. Makale daha sonra Somali'de modern bir devlet kurmanın zorluklarına değiniyor. Demokratik ideallerin gerçekleşmesinin ve merkezi bir yönetimin kurulmasının önündeki engelleri inceliyor. Temel odak noktalarından biri, geleneksel ve modern sistemler arasındaki potansiyel sinerjileri ve çatışmaları değerlendirmektir.

Keywords

Somali Customary Law, Xeer, 4.5 power sharing, Somali government, TNG, TFG

Ethical Statement

Throughout, the study is conducted in accordance with the strictest ethical guidelines. The writer recognises the significance of ethical behaviour in scholarly studies and guarantees that all data is truthful, impartial, and appropriately referenced.

Supporting Institution

This article is solely the work of the author and does not receive support or endorsement from any institution.

Thanks

Thank you for considering this research. Your interest and engagement are greatly appreciated.

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