Developing an Inclusive Citizenship in Somalia: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

In today’s world, citizenship is linked to the modern nation-state system. Although there is a rich literature on the concept of citizenship, in Somalia, it is a new idea that is contested and poorly understood by the political classes. In conducting this study, I consulted with the text of the Somali constitution, various legislations, and secondary literature. Additionally, I used the speeches and media interviews of Somali politicians and clan elders. While conducting research on governance challenges in Somalia (2008–2014), I interviewed a number of Somali politicians, civil society members and business leaders. This article starts with an explanation and review of the concept of citizenship. Next, I explain how the legal system of Somalia and practices of its various governments address citizenship-related issues. Finally, I present and analyze the key challenges and opportunities that state-builders as well as citizens of Somalia face in constructing an inclusive national citizenship.