Ethnic politics as a hindrance to good governance : the case of Somalia

Abstract

The thesis investigates ethnic politics as a hindrance to good governance in Somalia. The study is predicated on the hypothesis that the politicization of ethnicity in Somalia has been an impediment to the practise and provision of good governance which has led to the political problems experienced in the country. The study employs the qualitative research design which utilises secondary data as source of information and thus uses the content analysis approach to unpack and interpret the data. The role of the colonial powers and the past regimes in Somalia remains dominant and detrimental to the stability of the country. These parties sowed hatred and resentment along tribal lines and thus resulted in divisions in the country. The country currently consists of three different regions (South-Central Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland). These regions operate independently from one another. Somaliland and Puntland, however, do not form part of this study. By Somalia the thesis only refers to the South-Central region. Somalia has been declared as a failed state. After 1991 the security situation deteriorated over the years, leading the country into total collapse. The country existed without a central government for almost two decades. Poor governance, corruption, piracy, violent conflicts and other illicit activities became widespread with warlords and clan militias fighting for the control of the state. All efforts to resuscitate the country failed as they were not supported by the majority of the Somali people. For stability and peaceful co-existence in the country, national reconciliation and the practice of good governance should be the first priorities in solving the Somali problems. These two could be crucial aspects in combating the clan rivalries and tensions and thus address fragmentations that have come to define the Somali state.