Expectations of progress in Somalia are too high

In this policy brief, Peter Albrecht and Idil Lambo explore some of the challenges that Somalia faces as elections in 2016 draw nearer. It is argued that there have been too great expectations of the Federal Government of Somalia’s ability to hold popular (one person, one vote) elections within the next year. For that reason, it is not surprising that alternative models are now under development.

To understand why this is the case, the policy brief analyses the role of clans, politics and security as well as the ongoing federalization process and possible humanitarian crisis in Somalia. It is concluded that the humanitarian situation can undermine whatever small steps have been taken in peace- and state-building.