Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022

This study investigates the challenges to national unity in Somalia between 2012 and 2022. Guided by four key objectives, it examines external influences, domestic social factors, economic disparities, and political-institutional weaknesses affecting national cohesion. Using a phenomenological quali...

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Main Author: Omar Arabow Addan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Cogent Social Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2025.2537787
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author Omar Arabow Addan
author_facet Omar Arabow Addan
author_sort Omar Arabow Addan
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the challenges to national unity in Somalia between 2012 and 2022. Guided by four key objectives, it examines external influences, domestic social factors, economic disparities, and political-institutional weaknesses affecting national cohesion. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, data were collected from 21 respondents, including political, clan, and religious leaders who play pivotal roles in Somalia’s governance. Findings reveal that the interests of international and regional actors have contributed to national fragmentation. Domestically, the clan-based social structure has fostered political and economic exclusion, intensifying inter-communal tensions. Economic inequalities, particularly in the ownership and control of resources, were seen to favor a small elite, deepening perceptions of marginalization. Furthermore, weak political institutions and an ineffective legal framework have undermined unity efforts. The study concludes that national unity in Somalia requires a more equitable distribution of resources, ensuring inclusive access to public services across clans. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive political dialogue and strengthening institutions to combat extremism while respecting Somalia’s religious and cultural identity. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is essential for rebuilding a cohesive and stable Somali nation.
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spelling doaj-art-6706aa03c6a846ae8b76a962de574c0a2025-08-20T03:35:32ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCogent Social Sciences2331-18862025-12-0111110.1080/23311886.2025.2537787Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022Omar Arabow Addan0Faculty of Social Science, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, SomaliaThis study investigates the challenges to national unity in Somalia between 2012 and 2022. Guided by four key objectives, it examines external influences, domestic social factors, economic disparities, and political-institutional weaknesses affecting national cohesion. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, data were collected from 21 respondents, including political, clan, and religious leaders who play pivotal roles in Somalia’s governance. Findings reveal that the interests of international and regional actors have contributed to national fragmentation. Domestically, the clan-based social structure has fostered political and economic exclusion, intensifying inter-communal tensions. Economic inequalities, particularly in the ownership and control of resources, were seen to favor a small elite, deepening perceptions of marginalization. Furthermore, weak political institutions and an ineffective legal framework have undermined unity efforts. The study concludes that national unity in Somalia requires a more equitable distribution of resources, ensuring inclusive access to public services across clans. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive political dialogue and strengthening institutions to combat extremism while respecting Somalia’s religious and cultural identity. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is essential for rebuilding a cohesive and stable Somali nation.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2025.2537787National unityethnic groupsnational integrationclannisminterventionInternational Relations
spellingShingle Omar Arabow Addan
Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022
Cogent Social Sciences
National unity
ethnic groups
national integration
clannism
intervention
International Relations
title Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022
title_full Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022
title_fullStr Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022
title_full_unstemmed Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022
title_short Challenges to national unity in Somalia: in-depth investigation from post-2012 to 2022
title_sort challenges to national unity in somalia in depth investigation from post 2012 to 2022
topic National unity
ethnic groups
national integration
clannism
intervention
International Relations
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2025.2537787
work_keys_str_mv AT omararabowaddan challengestonationalunityinsomaliaindepthinvestigationfrompost2012to2022