Government and policies of Somalia
Politics was at once the Somalis' most practiced art and favorite sport. The most
desired possession of most nomads was a radio, which was used to keep informed on
political news. The level of political participation often surpassed that in many
Western democracies.
Politics was viewed as a realm not limited to one profession, clan, or class, but
open to all male members of society. Although an interim government was created
in 2004, other regional and local governing bodies continue to exist and control
various regions of the country, including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland
in northwestern Somalia and the semi-autonomous State of Puntland in northeastern
Somalia.
Many other small political organisations exist, some clan-based, others seeking
a Somalia free from clan-based politics. Many of them have come into existence since
the civil war. The political situation therefore remains unstable; for example,
on September 18, 2006, Abdullah Yusuf barely survived a suicide attack on his convoy
in Baidoa, although twelve other people were killed.
In the northeast Puntland also remains autonomous but supports the Transitional
Government and unlike Somaliland considers itself still within the Somali Republic.
Sanaag Region and some parts of Bari region there is newly declared state of Maakhir
which is a self-proclaimed autonomous state within Somalia on an area disputed by
Somaliland and Puntland. Declared in July 1, 2007, it remains unrecognized by the
Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
In the southwestern interior, Jubaland and Southwestern Somalia have both recognised
the TFG and local leaders are part of the government.
The southern half of the country, with the bulk of the population, as of November
2007, is unstable, following the 2006 Civil War between the Transitional Government
and the Islamic Courts Union.
Government Structure
Country nominally under interim provisional government established by Executive
Committee of United Somali Congress (USC) and headed by provisional president Ali
Mahdi Mahammad after fall of Mahammad Siad Barre.
Administrative Divisions
Prior to fall of Siad Barre regime in January 1991, sixteen administrative regions,
each containing three to six districts, with exception of capital region which was
subdivided into fifteen districts, for total of eighty-four districts. Local government
authority vested in regional and district councils whose members were elected, but
whose candidature approved by district-level government. High level of military
participation in regional and district councils. Ministry of Local Government and
Rural Development exercised authority over structure of local government. From 1991
onward, no effective government organization existed.
Major Political leaders Chief of State: Transitional Federal President
Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed (since 14 October 2004). He is a a former leader of the semi-autonomous
Somali region of Puntland, was chosen by Somalia 's interim parliament as president
of the Transitional Federal Government in October 2004. The election took place
in Kenya because the Somali capital was regarded as being too dangerous.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein. He is also known as Nur Adde,
was sworn in as prime minister on 24 November 2007. He replaced Ali Mohamed Ghedi,
who resigned in October. His predecessor had refused to negotiate with Islamists
and other government opponents.
Major political parties
SYL(Somali Youth League), SNL(Somali National League), SRSP(Somali Revolutionary
Socialist Party), USC-SSA(United Somali Congress-Somali Salvation Alliance), USC-SNA(United
Somali Congress-Somali National Alliance ), SDM(Somali Democratic Movement), SSDF(Somali
Salvation Democratic Front), SPM(Somali Patriotic Movement).