Distribution of Powers and Responsibilities in a Federal System of Somalia, Prospect and Options.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Somalia, tried out many systems of governance since independence, the British model of a
parliamentary system, democratic republic of Somalia, authoritarian regime system, Scientific
Socialist and finally, the country has moved toward a federal system. Federalism become
emerging as viable political system to bring a semblance of reconciliation, inclusive governance,
power sharing and peace in Somalia. Since the adoption of provisional constitution in Somalia
2012 built on three primary objectives:(1) to unite the republic: (2)to lend legitimacy to future
political leadership and (3) to introduce good governance that are representative, responsive
and accountable to the people. But, simply provides a space of the federal system and many of
the elements are yet to be filled including the division of powers and functions between federal
member state and federal government, division of taxes. There are different proposals regarding
how best to divide powers between federal and federal member states in Somalia. The federal
government has its own proposal and FMS have also their own view on the matter. The main
purpose of the study is to evaluate the proposals of both the federal government and FMS to
redesign in light of established federal principles, the appropriateness divisions of powers and
the experience of other federations. The design and research approach are exclusively based on
extensive review of relevant literature. It will also make comparative analysis based on the key
findings of case studies of five countries and the outlook of the relationship between Somalia and
other federal system countries. The three guiding questions guided in both the case studies and
discussion of the findings and in drawing conclusions and recommendations. to examine how
competences are divided in federal systems with a view to gathering lesson regarding how best
to divide in federal systems, and what factors are considered when dividing power based on the
experiences of federal countries, what competences are exercised by federation and what are left
for states and which competences should go to federal. Recommendation will be my own
proposal based on analysis of how best is the power divide and alternative option for improving
the competing proposals between FG and FMS, within consider this context of the Somali
political culture, history and social cleavages.