HIPS Briefing Papers
HIPS Policy Briefs are published by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies and aim to provide high quality analysis and practical recommendations for policymakers on important development issues.
Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Farmaajo’ was elected as the President of Somalia on February 8th, 2017 on a platform of comprehensive reform, improved security, political stability, a revived economy, reduced corruption and smart foreign policy. Two years later, the President’s scorecard is mixed, with some encouraging achievements in certain areas but plenty of shortcomings on most of the lofty political promises detailed during his presidential campaign.
Somalia has entered a dangerous political
stalemate that could unravel the significant
progress made on peace-building and state building
since the end of the transition in
2012. The announcement on 8 September
2018 by the leaders of five federal member
states to suspend cooperation with the
Federal Government is alarming on many
levels, not least because such a coordinated
action by the states is unprecedented.
After decades of being a backwater failed nation largely defined by civil wars, famine, piracy and terrorism, Somalia is suddenly finding itself at the center of arguably the most convulsing geopolitical conflict in a generation.
On October 14 Mogadishu was rocked by the deadliest explosion in its history, killing more than 400 people and injuring hundreds of others. Reliable figures are hard to come by, but the blast, which flattened the buildings around the clogged Zoppe Junction in the Hodan district, has caused mayhem and material destruction estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
This public opinion survey highlights that citizens in five major cities have different perceptions [mainly positive] about the constitution, despite only being marginally consulted by the politicians about their opinions.
The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) conducted a public opinion perceptions survey from January 9-23, 2017. HIPS asked a total of 1,364 adults aged 18 and older in Boosaaso, Beledweyne, Mogadishu, Baydhabo and Kismaayo about the policy areas they want the incoming government to focus on.
The electoral model by Somalia’s National Leaders Forum (NLF) outlining the 2016 selection/election plan does not adequately enhance the democratic process. Rather, some aspects of the proposed roadmap significantly stifle the prospects of a legitimate and inclusive election process. Read on…
Today women in the Somali region make positive contributions to their communities by applying their knowledge, skills and financial resources through formal and non-formal political processes.
A significant majority of Somalis favor a federal system of governance, despite serious misgivings. This is according to a research project concluded by HIPS that spun across 5 major cities in Somalia. Read the policy brief here for more..
The vast majority of Mogadishu residents consider democratic elections in the city important, and intend to vote, according to the findings of a poll of 1633 people across the 17 districts of Benadir Region. Read the full report here..
