Somalia’s journey toward peace, development, and state-building continues to be obstructed by a persistent crisis of leadership. From federal authorities in Mogadishu to regional administrations across the country, the moral compass of many Somali leaders appears severely compromised.
The widespread immorality among its political elite has become one of the most significant obstacles to sustainable progress. This immorality manifests through corruption, nepotism, abuse of power, and a failure to uphold the rule of law, factors that collectively erode public trust and deepen societal divisions.
One of the most visible signs of this moral decay is rampant corruption. Despite billions of dollars in international aid and development assistance, much of the Somali population continues to live in poverty, with limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and clean water.
Meanwhile, leaders at both federal and regional levels are routinely accused of misappropriating public resources, with what little remains often disproportionately allocated to their own clan-dominated regions.
Funds intended for public infrastructure or humanitarian relief are often siphoned off into private accounts, with little to no transparency or accountability. Investigative reports from global institutions and anti-corruption watchdogs have repeatedly exposed irregularities in public financial management.
The absence of effective oversight mechanisms and the normalization of corrupt practices suggest that this is not merely a problem of isolated individuals, but rather a systemic issue embedded within the political culture.
Compounding this problem is the deep-rooted practice of nepotism and clan favoritism. In Somalia’s political structure, leaders frequently appoint relatives or loyalists from their own clans to key positions, sidelining qualified individuals from other communities.
This entrenches inequality, alienates large segments of the population, and reinforces a cycle of patronage that undermines the concept of a unified national identity and meritocracy.
Instead of promoting inclusive governance, such favoritism fuels division and resentment, often spilling into political conflict or violence. Ultimately, this results in the systematic exclusion of ordinary Somali citizens from decision-making and access to services.
Another major concern is the blatant disregard for the rule of law. Many Somali leaders operate with near-total impunity, using their positions not to enforce justice, but to protect themselves and their allies from legal scrutiny. Political interference in the judiciary, the manipulation of constitutional processes, and the intimidation of opposition figures are all too common.
In a country still recovering from the collapse of state institutions, the failure to uphold justice undermines efforts to build a stable, democratic society. The people of Somalia, many of whom have endured war, displacement, and insecurity, continue to be denied fair recourse to justice when they need it most.
In recent years, the tendency of leaders to prioritize personal or regional power over national unity has become increasingly apparent. Political standoffs between the federal government and some regions have disrupted national planning, delayed elections, and even led to armed confrontations.
Such behavior reflects a dangerous lack of commitment to the collective interest of the nation. Instead of collaborating to rebuild Somalia, leaders often act as if they are presiding over rival kingdoms, putting their ambitions ahead of the country’s stability.
Perhaps the most tragic aspect of this leadership crisis is the blatant neglect of the population’s welfare. In a country where millions face food insecurity, displacement, and lack of basic services, many leaders seem more invested in securing personal wealth and foreign recognition than addressing the urgent needs of their people.
The disconnect between the governing elite and the realities faced by ordinary citizens is stark. While political elites negotiate over power-sharing arrangements in luxury hotels, families in IDP camps struggle for survival.
This moral failure is not only an indictment of individual leaders but a reflection of a broader leadership culture that prioritizes self-interest over service. They lose sight of their role as public servants and behave as if they wield dominion over the very citizens they are meant to serve.
Some leaders have sought to exploit religion or culture for political gain, aligning with extremist groups or invoking traditional values selectively to justify their rule. Such manipulation is dangerous, as it risks further polarizing communities and weakening national cohesion. In some cases, short-term political deals with armed factions have compromised long-term security, undermining efforts to defeat insurgent groups like Al-Shabaab or ISIS Somalia.
To address these challenges, Somalia must undergo a profound moral and political transformation. Accountability must be enforced through independent institutions, and the rule of law must apply equally to all. A shift away from clan-based favoritism toward merit-based leadership is essential.
Civil society, especially the youth, must be empowered to participate in governance and hold leaders accountable. International partners, too, must rethink their engagement strategies to ensure they do not inadvertently empower corrupt elites.
Ultimately, the moral failure of Somali leaders is not just a political problem. It is a national crisis that threatens the future of the country. Without principled leadership that places the interests of the people above personal gain, Somalia’s aspirations for peace, unity, and prosperity will remain unfulfilled.
As the Somali proverb goes, “If the mother camel is unruly, what can be expected of the calf?” is a reflection on how the conduct of leaders inevitably shapes the behavior and values of those they lead. Ultimately, a leader should embody self-discipline and accountability, seeking to correct their own actions before being subjected to external judgment. Only then can Somalia begin to heal, rebuild, and move toward the just and united future its people deserve.
Dr. Suleiman Walhad
Dr. Suleiman Walhad writes on the Horn of Africa economies and politics.
He can be reached at suleimanwalhad@yahoo.com.
