Interesting study done by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (or HIPS). Excerpts:
"A significant majority of Somalis favor a federal system of governance, despite serious misgivings. This is according to a research project concluded by HIPS that spun across 5 major cities in Somalia.The majority of those surveyed consider federalism as the best way to achieve a power-sharing mechanism among Somali clans whereas a vertical system of governance with a highly centralized unitary state is seen as inherently undemocratic and oppressive. People demand horizontal power structures where they can retain a fair degree of influence at the local level".
"
Regional autonomy has also emerged as a major demand for Somalis
across the country. Most participants desired a federal system,
because it would give their local government greater autonomy. With
regional autonomy comes local control of power and resources (at
least in theory). In practice, leaders of existing and emerging states
tightly control all facets of governance, including the appointment of
district commissioners and directors of departments".
"Another major finding is the connection participants made between
federalism and conflict resolution. Their claim is that, with devolved
power and resources, there will be much less conflict and more
cooperation or space between communities. Again, this is easier said
than done, but the fact that more than a third of respondents make
the association is crucial".
The full PDF study can be found at this site.
Federalism is a booming success in Somalia and the people love it. It has brought stability, order, accountable governance, and prosperity to most people's lives. It's a system that works.
Now what we need is for the official completion of Khatuumo, South West State, and Awdal-land. The federalism train is going while the dogs will continue to bark.
"A significant majority of Somalis favor a federal system of governance, despite serious misgivings. This is according to a research project concluded by HIPS that spun across 5 major cities in Somalia.The majority of those surveyed consider federalism as the best way to achieve a power-sharing mechanism among Somali clans whereas a vertical system of governance with a highly centralized unitary state is seen as inherently undemocratic and oppressive. People demand horizontal power structures where they can retain a fair degree of influence at the local level".
"
Regional autonomy has also emerged as a major demand for Somalis
across the country. Most participants desired a federal system,
because it would give their local government greater autonomy. With
regional autonomy comes local control of power and resources (at
least in theory). In practice, leaders of existing and emerging states
tightly control all facets of governance, including the appointment of
district commissioners and directors of departments".
"Another major finding is the connection participants made between
federalism and conflict resolution. Their claim is that, with devolved
power and resources, there will be much less conflict and more
cooperation or space between communities. Again, this is easier said
than done, but the fact that more than a third of respondents make
the association is crucial".
The full PDF study can be found at this site.
Federalism is a booming success in Somalia and the people love it. It has brought stability, order, accountable governance, and prosperity to most people's lives. It's a system that works.
Now what we need is for the official completion of Khatuumo, South West State, and Awdal-land. The federalism train is going while the dogs will continue to bark.