The year 2021 has been extremely tough for Somalia. Whilst suffering at the hands of rival politicians and Al Shabab militant group fighting for control, a devastating famine hit its shores hard.
Above all, innocent civilians paid the ultimate price for lawlessness and lack of urgent action for humanitarian assistance.
What has not changed in Somalia is the tribal nature of politics. The 2021 elections will mainly pit clan against clan. The Hawiye clan, prevalent in Hirshabelle and Galmudug, has given Somalia politicians like Gedi, Hassan Mohamud, Roble and prime minister Hassan Khaire. The Darod clan, prevalent in Puntland and Jubaland, has given Dani, Madobe and Farmajo.
Farmaajo is currently Somalia’s interim president, but with the states of Puntland and Jubaland refusing to recognize his authority, elections have been repeatedly planned but postponed due to disagreements between parties and lack of election infrastructure. In addition, the Islamist Al Shabaab continues to oppose the existence of a secular Somali state.
Politicians are still competing for power despite the many signed agreements. Tension between the central government and Kenya-supported Ahmed Madobe's government in Jubaland state help Al Shabaab.
Like in Libya, the dictator had kept the country together and all but eliminated the influence of Islam. His fall re-tribalized Somalia and allowed Islamist organizations to increase their influence.
What has changed dramatically is the composition of Somalia's population: 70% are under the age of 35, which means that 70% of Somalis have lived their entire life in pure anarchy.
It is impossible for the rest of the world to imagine what these Somalis think and want.
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