How Somalia Senate is failing federalism

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali Senate may have fatally failed in its obligation to protect federalism, against the backdrop of scathing attacks against member states, with Mogadishu pushing for more control and potentially alienating regions perceived to be against its leadership.

For instance, there are growing concerns over schemes to annex Gedo from Jubaland following political fallout between Jubaland regional leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

On Sunday, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Addis Ababa, with sources saying he is pushing for the creation of a parallel administration from Jubaland. The plans have been vehemently criticised by both Kenya and Ethiopia.

Senator Abdiqani Geelle, representing Puntland, says the Senate is largely becoming inactive, adding that it has failed on its constitutional duties of protecting federalism. The Upper House, he said, has been unable to mediate federal conflicts.

According to him, the Somali Senate is now a place to "collect Salaries" instead of acting as an intermediary between the federal government and the member states. Jubaland and Puntland are at loggerheads with the federal government.

“The Upper House has lost its purpose. It was intended to be a platform for federal harmony, but today, it no longer serves that purpose. It’s inactive and disconnected,” said Senator Geelle.

“Some senators cannot even visit their constituencies, which shows how weak the relationship has become between the Upper House and the people it represents,” Geelle said.

Supporting the claim, others urged the Senate to reassert its authority as a mediator between the central government and regional states. The Senate was formed in 2016 to act as an intermediary between Mogadishu and the federal states.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is accused of capturing the Lower House with many MPs rubber-stamping proposals from the executive without consulting other stakeholders. The country is still struggling with internal political rifts.

GAROWE ONLINE