Understanding the Dynamics of Somali Civil Society Roles, Objectives, Effectiveness, and Accountability
Understanding the Dynamics of Somali Civil Society: Roles, Objectives, Effectiveness, and Accountability” is a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative study published by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) in August 2026. The report examines the evolution of Somali civil society and analyzes how local sociopolitical factors, including the 4.5 clan-based power-sharing formula and contested federalism, shape the formation, objectives, and internal governance of civil society organizations (CSOs). By tracing civic action from pre-colonial religious structures through the collapse of the state in 1991 and its aftermath, the study highlights the disconnect between Western-centric frameworks of social accountability and the distinct, clan-mediated realities of Somalia’s political landscape.
The study finds that while traditional structures, such as Islamic congregations (jamaacooyin) and traditional elders, remain important foundations of civic trust, modern CSOs are largely urban-based, project-driven, and heavily dependent on international funding. It also identifies critical internal challenges, including weak governance, limited leadership renewal, and geographical fragmentation across federal member state boundaries. To address these challenges, the report offers strategic recommendations, urging CSOs to strengthen internal accountability, establish a federal-level umbrella body, and make greater use of the Somali language to reconnect with grassroots communities. It also calls on the government to develop a robust legal framework that protects civic space and strengthens civil society’s role in public oversight.
Understanding the Dynamics of Somali Civil Society
Fahamka Dhaqdhaqaaqyada, Doorka iyo Waxtarka Bulshada Rayidka ah ee Soomaaliya iyo Kaalinteeda ku Aaddan Isla Xisaabtanka” waa daraasad dhammaystiran oo uu Machadka Daraasaadka Siyaasadda ee Heritage (HIPS) daabacay Agoosto 2026. Daraasaddu waxay baadhaysaa isbeddellada iyo qaab-dhismeedka bulshada rayidka ah ee Soomaaliya, arrimaha saameeya horumarkooda, iyo doorka ay ku leeyihiin horumarinta maamulka guud iyo isla xisaabtanka dowladda. Waxay si gaar ah u eegaysaa saamaynta nidaamka federaalka iyo habka saami-qaybsiga 4.5 ay ku yeesheen horumarka iyo shaqada bulshada rayidka ah iyo ururradooda. Daraasaddu waxay sidoo kale muujinaysaa in fahamka bulshada rayidka ah iyo isla xisaabtanka ee laga soo dheegtay aragtiyaha reer Galbeedka aanu si buuxda ugu habboonayn xaaladda Soomaaliya, halkaas oo arrimo ay ka mid yihiin dhaqanka, diinta Islaamka, qabiilka iyo nidaamka saami-qaybsiga 4.5 ay saamayn ku leeyihiin qaab-dhismeedka iyo isbeddellada bulshada rayidka ah.
Natiijooyinka daraasaddu waxay muujinayaan in jamaacooyinka diimeed iyo odayaasha dhaqanku ay weli yihiin tiirarka asaasiga ah ee bulshada rayidka ah ee Soomaaliya, halka inta badan ururrada casriga ah ee magaalooyinka ka hawlgala loo aasaaso fulinta mashaariic ay maalgelinayaan hay’adaha caalamiga ahi. Ururrada bulshada rayidka ahi waxay sidoo kale wajahaan caqabado ay ka mid yihiin tabar-darrida maamulka gudaha, hoggaamiyeyaal muddooyinkooda xilka dhaafa, kala qaybsanaanta iyo wada-shaqaynta oo liidata, iyo ku-tiirsanaanta maalgelinta dibadda. Daraasaddu waxay ku talinaysaa xoojinta isla xisaabtanka gudaha iyo sharciyadda ururrada, hirgelinta qaab-dhismeed maamul oo kor u qaada hufnaanta iyo isbeddelka hoggaanka, iyo dhismaha dallad qaran oo mideysa ururrada bulshada rayidka ah. Waxa kale oo ay muhiimad siinaysaa adeegsiga af-Soomaaliga si loo xoojiyo xidhiidhka ururrada iyo bulshada, waxayna Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya ugu baaqaysaa in la sameeyo xeer nidaamiya ururrada bulshada rayidka ah, ilaaliya xuquuqdooda, isla markaana qeexa doorkooda ku aaddan dejinta siyaasadaha iyo isla xisaabtanka.