TheSomaliDiary

Vector World Maps Given its advantageous position, abundant natural resources, and strong private sector, Somalia has the potential to become an economic powerhouse for Africa. Despite decades of conflict and unrest, Somalia has managed to sustain a thriving informal economy that contributes the majority of its GDP (GDP). The World Bank predicted that Somalia's GDP will reach $4.918 billion in 2020, growing at a 2.9% annual pace. Agriculture, particularly cattle, which accounts for around 60% of the GDP and 80% of exports, is one of the key drivers of the economy. In addition, Somalia has unrealized potential in the fields of fishing, mining, oil, and gas, as well as clean energy sources like solar and wind. Yet, Somalia confronts numerous obstacles that prevent it from developing economically and fighting poverty. They include recurring droughts and floods, unrest and violence, shoddy institutions and governance, a lack of essential services and infrastructure, high unemployment a...

The 4.5 governance system in Somalia is not succeeding in establishing a representative and inclusive democracy there as envisioned. The system, which was put in place in 2000 as a short-term measure to put an end to the civil war and distribute parliamentary seats among the four main clans and a coalition of minority groups, has come under fire for enforcing clan politics, marginalizing minorities and women, and undermining the legitimacy of the federal government. Nasteha Ahmed, a researcher at the American University in Cairo, claims that because the 4.5 system does not adequately represent the richness and complexity of Somali society, it has also failed to merge traditional and contemporary governing systems. Clan rivalry, corruption, nepotism, and violence, among other social characteristics that have historically sparked conflict, she contends, have persisted as a result of the system. The 4.5 system was not included in the 2012 temporary constitution, which was meant to pav...