This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
On December 11, 2019, Abdallah Ahmed Ibrahim, director of the East Africa Centre for Research and Strategic Studies, spoke with Fred Oluoch, The EastAfrican's Special Correspondent, about Somalia's complex agenda and its relations with neighboring countries.
Given the current political deadlock, it is unlikely that the current constitution will be completed by the current government. The new constitution was supposed to be an inclusive process that facilitates rebuilding of Somalia.
President Said Abdullahi Dani of Puntland has been working with international partners to convince President Mohamed Farmaajo to accept the election of Ahmad Madobe. Mr. Dani has stated that he will not be party to any agreement that isolates Mr. Madobe.
Somalia's relations with Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan are also a subject of concern. The country's regional, political, and institutional divisions have created competing interests that undermine the pursuit of a coherent foreign policy.
As a result, Somalia remains an outcast at the regional level. The absence of a national foreign policy agenda and a leadership that appreciates Somalia's unique position in the Horn of Africa and the Arab World have exacerbated the situation.
Recently, Dr. Ahmed Abiy, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, was accused of interfering with Somalia's internal affairs. Ethiopian forces had crossed the Somalia border in support of the Farmaajo government, creating tension among local and regional leaders.
Furthermore, Ethiopia is accused of influencing the poll of Southwest State after arresting Muhammed Robow, a leading candidate and former Al Shabaab spokesperson.
