Traditional Clan-Tribal Structures and Modern Political System of Somalia

Abstract

In this study, we try to identify the impact that the traditional clan-tribal system has on the organization of political power in modern Somalia. For this purpose, an analysis of the clan and tribal affiliation of the top officials of the Somali state is carried out. A description is given of the traditional clan-tribal organization of the Somalis, as well as the modern clan situation in the country. An attempt is being made to find out how the clan-tribal organization influences the distribution of senior government positions. The priority right to occupy the posts of president and prime minister at the federal level is reserved for representatives of the “noble” camel-breeding clan families Hawiye and Darod. On the other hand, the position of speaker of parliament is reserved for representatives of the Rahanwein clan family, who must also perform the functions of the head of state (president) at critical moments when the former president, for one reason or another, is unable to fulfill his duties, until the next presidential election. Note also the spatial distribution of power between the main Somali clan families on the federal basis. In general, our research shows that the informal Arta agreements reached in 2000, which ensured a more or less acceptable distribution of power among the main Somali clan families, were observed in subsequent years with amazing accuracy, and this, despite all the colossal shocks that this country experienced in the 21st century, which appears to have contributed to a certain stabilization in this country.