Mogadishu and the Federal Member States: Key Players in Somalia’s NCC
The National Consultative Council (NCC) is one of the most vital institutions in Somalia’s governance framework, responsible for shaping and guiding the country’s constitutional and political landscape. Under the Provisional Constitution, the composition of the NCC is strictly limited to representatives from the Federal Member States, Mogadishu, and the Federal Government. This exclusive structure reflects the federal system of Somalia, where power is distributed between a central authority and multiple Federal Member States. As the nation’s largest city and economic hub, Mogadishu, along with the Federal Member States, plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring that the constitutional process remains legitimate and representative of Somalia’s federal structure.
The National Consultative Council (NCC), in particular, serves as a platform where federal leaders, including the Federal Government and the presidents of the Federal Member States, meet to deliberate on critical national issues, including the constitutional process, elections, and security. Through the NCC, the Federal Member States, Mogadishu, and the Federal Government can engage in collaborative decision-making, promoting the principles of federalism.
The Role of Mogadishu in the NCCogadishu, home to over 4 million inhabitants, is the largest city in Somalia, and its demographic and economic importance cannot be overstated. The city’s population exceeds the combined populations of some of the Federal Member States, making it a critical player in any discussions on constitutional matters. Additionally, Mogadishu is the only city in Somalia that contributes federal taxes, which supports the financial stability of the Federal Government. As the largest population centre and the primary source of federal revenue, this dual role makes Mogadishu’s involvement in the NCC indispensable
Alongside Mogadishu, the Federal Member States form the other key constituency in the National Consultative Council. Each state has its local government, with powers devolved from the central government through Somalia’s federal system. The Federal Member States have a vested interest in ensuring that the constitutional framework upholds the principles of federalism, where power is shared between the central government and the states.
Federalism is the foundation of Somalia’s governance system, which seeks to distribute power across various regional states while preserving a central government to manage national interests. Each Federal Member State exercises a degree of autonomy, governing its affairs within the limits set by the Constitution. The Federal Member States’ participation in the NCC protects their independence, ensures that the Constitution reflects their interests, and maintains a balanced power-sharing arrangement between the states and the central government.
The Federal Member States have a direct stake in shaping the Constitution because it governs their relationship with the Federal Government. Their involvement in the NCC ensures that the constitution remains flexible enough to accommodate the diversity of the Member States while also establishing a robust framework for national unity. Without their input, the constitutional process could shift in favour of centralisation, weakening the state’s ability to govern its affairs.
Each Federal Member State has unique social and economic conditions, which necessitate tailored governance structures. The participation of federal member states in the NCC ensures that the final constitutional framework considers the region’s diversity. Whether dealing with resource distribution, regional security, or development strategies, each Federal Member State’s voice is crucial to creating a balanced, inclusive, and representative constitution that works for all regions of Somalia.
The Provisional Constitution stipulates that only recognised federal entities Mogadishu, the Federal Member States, and the Federal Government are entitled to participate in the National Consultative Council. These critical decision-making bodies cannot include regions or temporary administrations lacking constitutional recognition or still gaining federal status. This exclusion is vital to prevent non-federal entities from influencing constitutional decisions that affect the entire country.
According to the Provisional Constitution, participation in the constitutional process must be based on legal recognition and established federal structures. Temporary administrations and regions not formally recognised as Federal Member States lack the constitutional authority to shape national governance. Their involvement would violate the legal framework and threaten to introduce illegitimate influences. Only those entities with federal recognition are vested with the responsibility of making decisions that reflect the interests of the broader Somali population.
Allowing temporary or non-federal entities to participate in the NCC would distort the intended federal balance, potentially allowing regions without legal standing to exert undue influence. This could lead to decisions that undermine federalism, favouring local interests that have not yet been fully integrated into the national framework. Such interference would compromise the integrity of the NCC, destabilising the federal system that the Provisional Constitution is designed to protect.
Recently, the Federal Member State of Puntland has refused to participate in NCC meetings, demanding separate talks outside the federal framework. This refusal is not only a breach of federal protocol but also unconstitutional. Under the Provisional Constitution, all Federal Member States must engage in the national constitutional process through the National Consultative Council, ensuring that the interests of each state are included in the final framework.
Puntland’s refusal to participate, primarily driven by the personal interests of its leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, has effectively taken hostage the constitutional process. Deni’s political ambitions are perceived to be at odds with the collaborative framework required for constitutional development. However, the absence of Puntland cannot halt the entire constitutional process. Most federal member states and Mogadishu actively participate in the NCC, ensuring the constitutional dialogue continues. The personal ambitions of one leader should not and cannot take precedence over the national interests of Somalia, where federal participation is necessary for stability and unity.
Furthermore, Puntland is not without representation in the NCC. Puntland’s members of parliament (MPs), senators, and ministers continue to participate in the constitutional process, ensuring that Puntland’s voice is heard within Somalia’s governance framework. This participation further reinforces that Puntland is shaping the constitutional framework as a Federal Member State. Deni’s absence should not be seen as a reflection of the state’s overall position. The state cannot hold the entire nation hostage over personal political interests.
Additionally, some Federal Member State leaders, whose terms have expired, have opposed the “one person, one vote” system, advocating instead for indirect elections. This preference stems from their ability to manipulate the outcomes of indirect elections, where influence over delegates or local elites can lead to predictable outcomes in their favour. This strategy allows them to retain power without subjecting themselves to the direct will of the people. However, this tactic contradicts the democratic principles outlined in the Provisional Constitution, which seeks to move toward a more inclusive and transparent electoral process. Their resistance to direct elections only highlights the need for a robust and legitimate constitutional framework, which the NCC is tasked with developing.
Puntland’s request for separate meetings undermines the very essence of the federal system, which requires collaboration and compromise among all federal entities. The Provisional Constitution mandates that the NCC serves as the primary forum for federal dialogue on constitutional matters. By seeking separate talks, Puntland is bypassing the constitutionally established process to ensure that all regions contribute to a united federal vision for Somalia’s future. Any attempts to hold parallel discussions would be divisive and violate the constitutional framework.
Mogadishu and the Federal Member States are the cornerstones of Somalia’s National Consultative Council. Their participation in these bodies is essential to maintaining the balance of power within the country’s federal system. Mogadishu’s demographic and economic importance and the Federal Member States’ regional autonomy and interests comprehensively represent Somalia’s diverse federal structure. Temporary administrations and non-federal regions cannot be included in the NCC as their participation would violate the Provisional Constitution and destabilise the federal process.
Furthermore, Puntland’s refusal to attend NCC meetings for personal political gain cannot hold the entire Somali constitutional process hostage. While some Federal Member State leaders may seek to delay reforms in favour of indirect elections that can be manipulated, the majority of federal entities continue to engage in the NCC to uphold the democratic and federal principles laid out in the Provisional Constitution. The future of Somalia’s governance depends on the active and fair participation of all recognised federal entities within the NCC, and no individual leader should be allowed to derail the process for personal interest.