Clan Rivalry and the Hijacking of Somaliland's Democracy: A Crossroads for the Nation's Future

 

Clan rivalry in Somaliland has become a critical issue, undermining not only its democratic institutions but also the societal fabric that holds the country together. While democracy should offer a platform for merit-based leadership and accountability, clan politics have hijacked this process, reducing political engagement to a mere tribal contest.

One of the most troubling aspects of clan politics is its influence over Somaliland’s educated youth and intellectuals. In theory, the youth—especially university students and lecturers—should be at the forefront of advocating for progressive policies, holding political leaders accountable, and guiding society toward development. Unfortunately, the reality is quite the opposite.

Clan elders, who traditionally wield significant social and political power, continue to dominate the political landscape by rallying the youth under the banner of clan loyalty. Instead of raising critical thinking and promoting national interests, these elders exploit tribal affiliations to mobilize youth for clan-driven political motives. Young people, who should be the vanguard of contemporary politics and development, are instead manipulated to serve narrow, tribal interests. This has become a significant barrier to democratic development, as political allegiances are determined not by the ability to address national issues but by one’s clan affiliation.

The educated class, who could challenge the status quo, has largely succumbed to the same clan-driven logic. University lecturers and students, instead of debating policies that can tackle issues like corruption, poor health services, and lack of clean water, rally behind political candidates from their clan—regardless of whether these candidates have viable solutions. This intellectual apathy has allowed corruption and nepotism to thrive unchecked, while the real issues affecting the daily lives of Somalilanders are ignored.

Somaliland’s political party system, intended to promote democracy, has instead become a battleground for clan interests. In Hargeisa, and across the country, political debates rarely focus on policies or manifestos that address pressing needs such as education reform, health services, or water scarcity. Instead, political loyalty is determined by clan affiliation. Voters, particularly the youth, are more concerned with whether the party leader hails from their clan than with whether the leader has promised to solve critical national problems.

This phenomenon severely undermines the political process. Political parties should provide a space for citizens to engage in national debates and push for solutions to systemic issues. Instead, parties have become extensions of clan identity, with little regard for governance or accountability. Clan rivalry has eclipsed national interest, turning elections into tribal contests rather than a democratic process aimed at electing the best leaders for the country’s development.

At the heart of this destructive clan rivalry lies the ongoing feud between the Garxajis and the incumbent president's clan, both from the Isaaqi tribe. This rivalry centers around the battle for the presidential seat, which has become a flashpoint of national division. The Garxajis, entrenched in five out of Somaliland’s six regions, claim it is their rightful turn to assume the presidency and have issued stark warnings about using force if elections are not held in a timely manner.

This power struggle, however, is not confined to political ambitions. The rhetoric fueling this feud is laden with dangerous, inflammatory language, with both sides using the media to spread messages that sow hatred and division. The situation has escalated to a point where it evokes memories of Rwanda's genocide in 1994—a sobering reminder of how unchecked clan-based conflict can lead to mass atrocities.

What is most alarming is the use of rhetoric as a tool to deepen societal divisions. The speeches and media campaigns perpetuated by these rival clans are no longer simply political discourse but have devolved into dangerous hate speech, pitting communities against each other. The seeds of mistrust and animosity sown in these exchanges threaten not only Somaliland’s democracy but also its fragile peace.

Somaliland’s democratic institutions, already fragile, are being severely compromised by these clan-based conflicts. Elections, instead of being free and fair, are often delayed or manipulated to serve the interests of dominant clans. The lack of timely elections, combined with the influence of clan elders, has eroded trust in the political system. This has left many Somalilanders disillusioned with the notion of democracy, viewing it as merely another tool for the powerful clans to consolidate power.

Without trust in democratic institutions, the country risks further instability. When citizens lose faith in the political process, they are more likely to turn to violence and rebellion as a means of addressing their grievances. In this environment, clan rivalry not only stifles progress but also threatens to pull the country back into conflict.

To move forward, Somaliland must break free from the stranglehold of clan politics. This can only be achieved by developing a political culture that prioritizes national interests over tribal loyalties. The youth, in particular, must be empowered to resist the influence of clan elders and engage in politics based on policies and governance, not clan affiliation. This shift is critical to ensuring that the country’s democratic institutions can function as they are meant to—serving the people, not clans.

Additionally, political leaders must take immediate steps to address the growing tensions between clans. The rhetoric of division must be replaced with a message of unity and inclusivity. Transparent, timely elections are essential to restoring trust in the political process and preventing further escalation of conflict.

At this juncture, Somaliland stands at a crossroads. It can either continue down the destructive path of clan rivalry, risking the collapse of its democratic institutions, or it can embrace a future where all citizens, regardless of their clan, can participate in building a peaceful, prosperous nation. The choice is clear, but the road ahead will require a collective commitment to change.

Contradictions with the Somaliland Constitution and International Human Rights Law

The politicization of clan rivalry in Somaliland, especially within the context of youth and intellectual co-option, presents a severe contradiction to both the Somaliland Constitution and the international human rights standards that the nation has voluntarily committed to uphold. The deeply rooted clan-based political system undermines the fundamental principles enshrined in the constitution, particularly in areas of political equality, merit-based governance, and protection against discrimination. At the same time, this system also conflicts with international human rights laws that emphasize fairness, dignity, and the right to participate in political life without prejudice or coercion.

The Somaliland Constitution, emphasizes democratic governance, the rule of law, and equality for all citizens. One of its fundamental principles is the right to participate in political life without discrimination based on clan or ethnicity. Article 8 of the Constitution stipulates that Somaliland is a democratic republic, and all citizens have the right to participate in its political life on an equal footing, regardless of clan, ethnicity, or social status.

However, the prevalence of clan-based political rivalries contradicts this principle. Political allegiance, driven by clan loyalty rather than merit or policy debates, has reduced political participation to a tribal contest. This not only violates the constitutional provision of political equality but also undermines the very foundation of a democratic republic. The manipulation of youth and intellectuals by clan elders further exacerbates this issue, nurturing an environment where individuals are coerced into supporting candidates based on their clan affiliation rather than their ability to address national issues.

Furthermore, the exclusion of merit-based leadership contradicts the constitutional guarantee of a fair and just legal system. Article 22 of the Somaliland Constitution asserts that citizens have the right to run for office and hold public positions based on their merit, not on their clan affiliations. Clan-based politics prevent qualified individuals from participating meaningfully in the political process, as political appointments and electoral success are often determined by clan allegiance rather than competence or policy positions.

The right to freedom of expression and association, as provided under Article 32, is also compromised in a system dominated by clan loyalty. Intellectuals, particularly university students and lecturers, are often pressured to align with their clans instead of freely expressing diverse political opinions. This stifling of political debate and critical thinking undermines not only constitutional rights but also the development of an informed and engaged citizenry.

In addition to conflicting with its own constitution, Somaliland’s clan-based political system runs counter to various international human rights treaties and standards, particularly those related to political participation, equality, and the dignity of individuals. Somaliland, though not formally recognized as an independent state by the international community, has committed to upholding human rights principles that are part of customary international law and that stem from key international treaties.

Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Somaliland aligns its domestic human rights policies, individuals have the right to participate in public affairs without discrimination. Article 25 of the ICCPR guarantees every citizen the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, either directly or through freely chosen representatives. However, the existing clan politics hinder this by creating a political environment where clan identity overshadows individual political expression.

Moreover, the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1988, underscores the protection of human dignity during any form of detention or imprisonment. Although this applies specifically to the rights of detainees, its overarching principles about dignity and equality resonate within broader political contexts. In Somaliland, the exclusionary practices of clan-based politics violate the dignity of individuals who are effectively marginalized based on their clan identity, rather than being assessed on the merits of their contributions to society.

Additionally, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or any form of social group, which can easily extend to clan divisions. Somaliland’s current political environment, which elevates clan interests over national priorities, violates the non-discrimination principles enshrined in ICERD. It perpetuates a system where political participation is determined by tribal belonging, thus violating the rights of those who may wish to break free from such affiliations and advocate for national unity and development.

Comparative Analysis: Somaliland and Kenya’s Path from Clan Rivalry to Democratic Development

Somaliland's struggle with clan rivalry has become a significant obstacle to its democratic development, as clan-based politics dominate the political landscape. The situation bears striking similarities to Kenya in the early years following its independence, where ethnic and tribal divisions profoundly affected the country’s political institutions and development. However, Kenya has made substantial progress in addressing tribal politics, offering valuable lessons that Somaliland can draw upon. This comparative analysis examines the impact of clan rivalry on Somaliland's democratic institutions and compares it with Kenya's journey toward mitigating ethnic divisions and promoting democratic governance.

In Somaliland, clan rivalry has permeated every aspect of political life, from the grassroots level to the national political parties. Clan elders, who hold significant influence over the political choices of their communities, have effectively hijacked the democratic process. Rather than debating policy platforms or development agendas, political loyalties are determined by clan affiliations, leading to the exclusion of merit-based leadership.

A critical concern in Somaliland is how the youth, particularly university students and intellectuals, have become pawns in this clan-driven political game. Rather than acting as catalysts for change, promoting progressive policies, and holding leaders accountable, they are often co-opted by clan elders to serve tribal interests. This has stifled debate on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development, and allowed corruption and nepotism to thrive. Somaliland’s educated class, instead of using their knowledge to advocate for better governance, has largely succumbed to the same clan logic that permeates society.

Kenya offers an instructive case of a country that has grappled with the toxic effects of ethnic divisions but has taken steps to address and mitigate their impact. Much like Somaliland today, Kenya’s political landscape in the post-independence era was dominated by tribal politics. Ethnic communities rallied behind leaders from their tribes, and political competition was often reduced to a zero-sum game of which tribe would hold power. This led to political violence, most notably after the disputed 2007 elections, when ethnic divisions escalated into widespread violence, resulting in the loss of over 1,000 lives and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.

However, in the aftermath of the 2007-2008 violence, Kenya embarked on significant reforms to address the role of ethnicity in its politics. The most crucial reform was the adoption of a new constitution in 2010, which sought to decentralize political power and reduce ethnic tensions. The constitution introduced a devolved system of government, creating 47 county governments with substantial power over local governance. This system of devolution helped diffuse political power away from the central government, reducing the stakes of national elections and allowing communities to focus on local development rather than ethnic competition for national leadership.

Kenya’s electoral reforms also played a significant role in reducing the influence of tribal politics. The creation of an independent electoral commission, along with mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process, has helped restore trust in Kenya’s democracy. While ethnic politics still play a role in Kenyan elections, these reforms have created a more inclusive political environment, where issues such as economic development, healthcare, and education are increasingly becoming part of the national political discourse.

Kenya’s youth have also played a crucial role in driving this change. Through civic engagement, social media campaigns, and grassroots movements, Kenyan youth have increasingly demanded accountability from their leaders, regardless of ethnic affiliation. The rise of civil society organizations and youth movements focused on governance and human rights has further pushed political parties to prioritize national issues over tribal allegiances.

Somaliland can draw several lessons from Kenya’s experience in addressing ethnic divisions and promoting democratic development. The first and most critical step is the need to decentralize political power. Much like Kenya’s devolution process, Somaliland can benefit from a system that empowers local governments and reduces the stakes of national elections by decentralizing power, clan leaders will have less control over the national political process, allowing for a more equitable distribution of resources and attention to local development needs.

Electoral reforms are also essential for Somaliland. Transparent, free, and fair elections are critical to restoring trust in democratic institutions. Somaliland should focus on establishing an independent electoral commission that can oversee the electoral process without the influence of dominant clans. Timely elections, free from clan manipulation, will help rebuild public confidence in the political system.

Empowering youth and intellectuals to engage in politics based on national interests, rather than clan loyalties, is another key lesson from Kenya. Somaliland’s youth, who represent a significant portion of the population, must resist the influence of clan elders and engage in politics that prioritize governance and development. Civil society organizations, universities, and youth movements can play an essential role in promoting political education and civic engagement, encouraging young people to hold leaders accountable based on policy performance rather than clan affiliation.

Clan rivalry in Somaliland has created a political environment that prioritizes tribal interests over democratic development. As seen in Kenya’s case, addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to decentralize political power, reform the electoral system, and empower youth to engage in issue-based politics. Somaliland stands at a critical juncture, and the choices made today will determine whether the country moves toward a future of inclusive governance and development or remains trapped in the cycle of clan-based conflict. Learning from Kenya’s experience, Somaliland can take significant steps toward overcoming clan rivalry and building a stronger, more democratic society.