Somaliland: The Strains Of Success

Somaliland’s hybrid system of tri-party democracy and traditional clan-based governance has enabled the consolidation of state-like authority, social and economic recovery and, above all, relative peace and security but now needs reform. Success has brought greater resources, including a special funding status with donors – especially the UK, Denmark and the European Union (EU) – as well as investment from and diplomatic ties with Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though not international recognition. It is increasingly part of the regional system; ties are especially strong with Ethiopia and Djibouti. Given the continued fragility of the Somalia Federal Government (SFG), which still rejects its former northern region’s independence claims, and civil war across the Gulf of Aden in Yemen, Somaliland’s continued stability is vital. This in turn requires political reforms aimed at greater inclusion, respect for mediating institutions (especially the professional judiciary and parliament) and a regional and wider internationally backed framework for external cooperation and engagement.
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Can East Africa Avoid A Major Food Crisis In the Near Future?

By Isaac Mwangi

More often than not, East Africa finds itself in an unending precarious food security situation. From the evolving political and economic situation, this could soon turn into a major crisis.

All the ingredients are already present. From civil war to corruption and population displacement to climate change, man-made disasters have combined with natural factors to create ideal conditions for a major regional food crisis.

Even in the best of times, East Africa is never far removed from hunger. Poor policies that have removed support previously given to farmers, low producer prices that have discouraged farmers, rural-urban migration in search of better opportunities, the loss of productive land to cities, and a host of other factors have led to a situation where regional countries can hardly feed themselves.

These problems have been compounded by joblessness and rising insecurity. Deadly cattle rustling raids between rival communities within and between countries, made worse by the influx of small and light weapons, have made pastoralism a dangerous occupation among nomadic communities.

The conflicts that afflict the region are likely to be the most important factor behind the unfolding food insecurity. Needless to say, conflicts displace productive populations, move human and other resources from productive endeavours to the war effort, and leave whole farms untended. Existing food stocks are abandoned in haste as civilians flee or looted by marauding troops, while markets and supply chains are disrupted.