Author: Abdullahi M Hassan (Abdullahi Yabarow)

“Somalia Ethical Failures in Politics: Bribery and Election Manipulation of MPs and Senators” Somalia Ethical Failures in Politics The election of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators in Somalia has been marred by corruption, notably the exchange of money for votes. The country’s election system faces several significant issues that compromise its integrity and democratic processes. State leaders frequently display bias in the nomination and appointment of senators and MPs, favouring individuals who support their personal or political agendas, thereby undermining the principle of fair representation. Biased appointments are intensified by senators and MPs paying state leaders to secure their elections,…

Premature Election Bill in Mogadishu: A Constitutional Violation The Somali Provisional Constitution establishes detailed federal system, including specific guidelines for the administration of its capital, Mogadishu. Article 9 of the Constitution requires that the precise status and governance of Mogadishu be defined by a separate law to be created by Parliament. The recent approval of an election bill by the Council of Ministers brings significant legal issues into question. Additionally, Parliament must ensure that there is an established Banadir State to engage in negotiations with its authorities before legislating on Mogadishu’s status. This negotiation is essential to guarantee that Mogadishu’s governance is consistent with…

Mogadishu city hosts 3-4 million people and serves as Somalia’s political and economic centre. However, despite its substantial contribution to the country’s revenue, the city remains burdened by an antiquated tax system and a federal structure that does not adequately address its distinct requirements. The people of the city are weighed down by taxes that fail to correspond with their economic circumstances, and to make matters worse, they receive very little in return as there is no free education, no healthcare and no substantial infrastructure development. This situation necessitates the establishment of Banadir State, which would offer Mogadishu the much-needed political representation and accountability.

Ethiopia’s Overreach into Somalia: A Breach of Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Recent developments in the Horn of Africa have sparked significant concerns regarding Ethiopia’s actions and intentions toward Somalia. Ethiopia’s involvement, especially through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Somalia’s northwest region, is perceived as a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This move is not only provocative but also highlights Ethiopia’s growing ambitions in the region, which have been met with resistance from the Somali government. Response to Ethiopia’s Statement Ethiopia’s criticism of the international community, especially the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN),…

Ethiopia’s Landlocked Struggles: Broader Ambitions Beyond Sea Access Threaten Regional Security Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with significant regional influence, has long sought access to the sea to enhance its economic and strategic capabilities. However, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s broader ambitions have begun to threaten regional stability. The controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Northwest region of Somalia ‘Somaliland’ for establishing a naval base has drawn international condemnation, raising urgent concerns over Ethiopia’s disregard for international law and Somalia’s sovereignty. Although Ethiopia has not yet established the naval base, it has also refused to nullify the MOU,…

Bias in Reporting: Exposing the Clan-Driven Narratives in Somali Politics Recently, the portrayal of Somalia’s political landscape and the dynamics surrounding the UN’s arms embargo has been subject to skewed interpretations. Specifically, Mohamed Omar Ahmed’s articles “Puntland to Operate Independently from Somalia After Law Change” and “Somali Region Wants UN to Reinstate a 31-Year-Old Arms Embargo”, published by Bloomberg, suggest a clan-driven narrative. These narratives are misleading, driven by clan biases, and lack a solid factual foundation. This Article aims to discredit these narratives by presenting a strong argument grounded in the Somali Constitution and the parliamentary processes that uphold…

Ethiopia’s obligations under international law and norms regarding border security and arms smuggling. Ethiopia’s failure to control arms smuggling across its borders, particularly into Somalia, is not merely a regional security issue but a significant breach of various international legal and normative frameworks. This is a matter of grave concern as it undermines the very fabric of international law. However, this rampant armed trafficking also presents an opportunity for positive change. We can significantly reduce conflict and instability in Somalia by addressing this issue and upholding the United Nations Charter, African Union (AU) principles, and broader international law. The persistent insecurity…

How Far Can Mogadishu Citizens Bear the Tax Burden in Somalia Without Representation? The principle of “no taxation without representation” has over the years been a fundamental element of democratic governance which emphasizes that citizens need to have a voice on imposition as well as the utilization of the taxes paid. In Somalia, especially in Mogadishu, this principle is being challenged as residents shoulder a substantial share of the national tax burden without corresponding representation in the process of making decisions. This article highlights the implications of this disparity and the potential consequences for governance and social stability in Somalia.…

Legal Implications of Support for Al-Shabaab by a Former Foreign Minister and Ex-Presidential Security Adviser under Somali and International Law

Somali Parliament: Assessing Accountability and Legal Implications of a Non-Attending MP The integrity and functionality of democratic institutions are fundamentally dependent on the accountability of their members. In Somalia, this principle is under scrutiny in the case of a Federal Member of Parliament (MP) who has not attended parliamentary sessions for an extended period while continuing to draw a salary. This MP has also publicly accused the government of corruption and financial mismanagement. This essay explores the legal basis, constitutional provisions, Somali Penal Code, international laws, and parliamentary rules relevant to this situation. It will examine whether such an MP…

Introduction Ethiopia under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to wreak havoc into Somalia efforts towards stability. The sentiments by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 4th July 2024 contradicts the earlier speeches where he claimed that Ethiopia needs sea access and they had tried everything including talking to Somalia government. This is contrary to the fact that Ethiopia violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Though Ethiopia has the right to be granted access to sea by neighboring countries under UNCLOS provisions, the approach to those countries needs to be with respect and decorum and abiding with…