Federalism in Somalia: Debates on the culture and the power distribution

This thesis examines whether Somalia is federal state or not, as well if the Somali government allows division of power to its member states. This thesis problematizes whether clan-based Somalia society with ethnic diversity appropriate federalism, departing from the concepts of division of power, between the central government and federal states. Therefore, this study looks at how the institutions function politically, by recalling all previously written literatures and the necessary sources, such as, articles, books. Somalia embraced federalism officially in 2012, but had practiced since 2000 by different transitional governments. The objective of this research is to question to what limits federalism is operated in Somalia, then study and discuss how culture and society in Somalia find a place in federalism, so the main questions of this thesis are. Is Somalia a federal state? Is Somalia adopting division of power? Finally, the research will also bring up the discussion on federalism with a society with tribal and ethnic diversity in the continent of Africa. Numerous countries operate federalism such as Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Ethiopia in Africa. These countries achieved to practice federalism to some extent, for instance division of power, giving some power to member states, provided social compatibility, functioned with their institutional organization. This study aims at giving an insight to the upcoming researchers, policy makers, political science scholars, and international organizations specially those put efforts in understanding the experience of federalism in the whole Horn of Africa. Keywords: Somali, division of power, ethnicity, federalism, culture.