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By Mohammed A. Gaas
Somaliland, a country which has restored its independence, has forged a remarkable path towards stability and self-governance in a region often characterized by volatility. While its international status remains a subject of ongoing diplomatic discourse, with many nations maintaining a ‘one Somalia policy,’ Somaliland has demonstrably built robust governmental institutions, fostered relative peace, and held successive democratic elections since declaring its independence in 1991. This unique political context, however, also highlights the critical importance of internal cohesion for its continued progress and its aspirations for broader international recognition.
At this pivotal juncture in its journey, Somaliland faces an enduring internal challenge that, if left unaddressed, risks undermining the significant strides made in state-building and socio-economic development: tribalism. While clan structures have historically provided a foundational framework for social organization and mutual support within Somali society, their unbridled influence in contemporary governance, economic life, and public discourse is a potent force actively reversing the very development the populace strives to achieve. Tribalism, fundamentally, represents the prioritization of narrow clan affiliations over the collective national interest, hindering the establishment of a truly meritocratic, equitable, and unified society.
The Multi-faceted Impact of Tribalism on Development:
The corrosive effects of tribalism permeate every level of society, creating systemic impediments to sustainable development:
- In a tribalistic environment, appointments to public office, positions within the civil service, and even judicial decisions are frequently influenced by clan affiliation rather than merit, competence, or qualifications. This deeply compromises the principles of good governance, fostering inefficiency, nurturing corruption, and eroding public trust in state institutions. When citizens perceive that access to justice or public services is predicated on their clan lineage rather than their rights as citizens, the legitimacy and authority of the state are severely weakened. This also discourages both domestic and foreign investment, as the unpredictability and lack of impartiality create an unfavorable business climate.
- A thriving economy requires predictability, transparency, and a level playing field for all participants. Tribalism, however, introduces pervasive favoritism and nepotism that distort markets and deter legitimate enterprise. Resources are often mis-allocated to benefit specific clan interests, rather than being directed towards national developmental priorities or projects with the highest economic return. This can manifest in biased land allocations, preferential access to contracts, or discriminatory practices in employment. Such an environment creates significant barriers to internal trade and investment, fragmenting the national economy and hindering the free flow of capital and labor essential for broad-based prosperity. Entrepreneurs, both local and international, are naturally hesitant to invest where success is dictated by tribal connections rather than innovation, quality, or efficiency.
- The bedrock of any successful nation is the unity and mutual trust among its people. Tribalism, conversely, fragments society, fostering suspicion, competition, and even overt animosity between different groups. This social discord can manifest in various forms, from localized resource conflicts to political instability, diverting valuable human and financial capital away from constructive development efforts. It fundamentally weakens the collective will to address national challenges, as individuals may prioritize their clan’s perceived well-being over the common good, thereby hindering the establishment of strong, inclusive community-driven initiatives in areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- The equitable provision of fundamental services like quality education and healthcare is paramount for human development and national progress. Tribalistic tendencies often lead to an uneven distribution of resources and opportunities, with some regions or communities benefiting disproportionately while others are neglected. This perpetuates cycles of inequality and marginalization, denying future generations the skills and opportunities necessary to contribute to the nation’s growth and compromising the overall health and well-being of the populace. It directly contradicts the universal principle of equal citizenship.
- Somaliland’s persistent pursuit of international recognition and robust partnerships is significantly impacted by internal divisions rooted in tribalism. External actors often perceive persistent clan-based politics as a sign of underlying instability and a lack of national cohesion. This can deter crucial foreign direct investment, limit access to development aid, and complicate diplomatic engagement, ultimately undermining Somaliland’s aspirations to solidify its position on the global stage. A united populace, demonstrating strong national identity and effective, inclusive governance, presents a far more compelling case for international recognition.
A Brighter, United Future:
Addressing the deep-seated challenge of tribalism requires a deliberate, sustained, and collective commitment from every individual and institution within Somaliland:
- traditional, and religious leaders bear a primary responsibility to lead by example. They must actively champion national unity, unequivocally denounce tribalistic practices, and demonstrate unwavering impartiality in all their decisions and public actions. This includes ensuring that all appointments and resource allocations are based strictly on merit and national need.
- The continuous development and empowerment of strong, independent, and merit-based institutions across all sectors—from the civil service and security forces to the judiciary—is paramount. This entails implementing transparent recruitment and promotion processes, strictly enforcing accountability mechanisms, and fostering professional ethics that transcend clan loyalties.
- Education systems must play a transformative role in fostering a shared national identity that transcends narrow clan loyalties. Curricula should emphasize Somaliland’s common history, shared values, and collective aspirations as a unified people. Public awareness campaigns, national media initiatives, and cultural programs can also significantly contribute to this narrative of inclusive nationhood.
- Every citizen has a vital role to play. This involves actively challenging tribalistic rhetoric, holding leaders accountable for their actions, and consciously prioritizing national interests in daily interactions and choices. This means supporting businesses and initiatives based on their quality and value, not the clan affiliation of their founders, and making electoral choices based on a candidate’s competence, vision, and commitment to national service, rather than their lineage.
- Somaliland’s vibrant youth are its most valuable asset. Investing in their education, skill development, and instilling in them a strong sense of shared national purpose is crucial. As they are often less entrenched in traditional tribal structures, the youth can be powerful catalysts for change, driving forward a more unified and merit-based society.
Somaliland has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and a profound commitment to self-determination. The dream of a prosperous, stable, and internationally recognized nation can only be fully realized when its people stand united, not as members of disparate clans, but as proud Somalilanders, collectively dedicated to building a shared and equitable future for all. It is time to decisively cast aside the divisive chains of tribalism and embrace the boundless opportunities that await a truly unified nation.