How does Somali politics impact educated youth?
I’ve never been particularly interested in politics, but my father has always been. As a political professional, he immersed himself in the subject daily, and our conversations often revolved around it. Before writing this, I asked myself a question: Am I destined to follow the same path as my father? The answer was clear — politics doesn’t inspire me; it exhausts me.
My disinterest isn’t because of what politics is supposed to be. At its core, politics can bring order, justice, and progress. But in my experience, it has failed to deliver anything meaningful, especially for Somalis. Politics has instead become a source of division, conflict, and stagnation.
Unlike my father, I didn’t grow up in the Somalia of the past, a nation some remember as a beacon of strength in Africa, while others view it as a corrupt and oppressive regime. I grew up in Somaliland, a place that considers itself distinct — a nation rebuilding from the ground up after reclaiming its sovereignty. From the moment I was born, I was a citizen of Somaliland, not Somalia.
My childhood in Somaliland was peaceful and stable. The government worked tirelessly to rebuild infrastructure, and I was fortunate to have access to quality education and meaningful experiences. I didn’t travel much — just twice outside Somaliland — but those trips helped me see the stark differences between Somaliland and other Somali regions.
Somalia’s political history over the last 30 years has been defined by warlords, statelessness, and poor governance. Tribalism, a deeply ingrained aspect of Somali politics, continues to undermine progress. In recent years, the ongoing conflict in Lasanod has laid bare the devastating consequences of tribalism and tangled political agendas. It’s a conflict that has stirred anger, hatred, and resentment throughout the Somali community, both at home and abroad.
Tribalism is not a new issue. Since the first Somali government was established, the belief that tribes should hold power — rather than democracy or republicanism — has dominated. Those raised under this system have perpetuated it, relying on tribal loyalty to win elections and govern. This reliance on tribes, rather than ideas, has led to political injustice, economic inequality, and laws that favor some tribes over others.
Unfortunately, this flawed system destroyed the once-prosperous Somalia and continues to hinder its recovery. Leaders today have not learned from these mistakes. They cling to the same tribal politics, ensuring that progress remains out of reach.
In Somaliland, democracy was chosen as the path forward, but its implementation has fallen short. Elections are not decided by leadership ability but by tribal allegiances. Even the most qualified candidate can lose if their tribe is not large or influential enough. This system frustrates young people like me, who see no path to progress under these conditions.
We’ve been taught to value character and integrity over tribal identity, but in every election, tribal politics prevail. It’s disheartening to see educated youth like myself grow skeptical and disengaged, knowing that this system will only lead to further stagnation.
The blame lies with our political leaders, who prioritize their own interests over the future of Somali youth. Their campaigns are filled with empty promises, tribal rhetoric, and short-sighted agendas. This has inspired a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, division, and distrust.
It’s clear that tribalism-based governance will never bring justice or prosperity. Yet, our political leaders continue to push this outdated system, ignoring the voices of educated youth who call for change. As long as this persists, Somalis will remain trapped in a cycle of ignorance, poverty, and poor governance.
The solution lies in changing how future leaders interact with younger generations. We need leaders with vision, integrity, and the courage to break free from tribal politics. Education has the power to liberate minds, but it must be paired with genuine opportunities for young people to shape the future.
Somalis have long relied on clan-based figures like sultans and garads to mediate conflicts and maintain stability, but these figures often fail to address the root causes of tribal wars. It’s time to move beyond this outdated system. Tribes should serve as cultural identifiers, not as the foundation of governance.
If we want a brighter future, we must break free from tribalism and embrace leaders who prioritize unity, justice, and progress. As a young Somali, I dream of a day when our political system reflects the values of integrity, equality, and hope — not tribal divisions.
Thank you for reading.
