Somalia’s new constitution exists in a “parallel universe”, according to some critics. Last week saw the institution of a new government, and the country is hoping to start moving towards a brighter future with order replacing anarchy. Moves are underway to establish the sorts of institutions enjoyed by other countries, including a stock market, but the country has a long way to go before the reality reflects the aspirations outlined in the new constitution.
The progressive new constitution provides a broad range of rights for women, and declares everyone to be equal, regardless of clan or religion. Many Somalis think that such ideas are improperly imported from Western countries, and fail to reflect true Somali cultural priorities. For example, it is difficult to see how the constitution’s ban on female circumcision can be enforced given the very broad extent to which it is practised in the country.
In fact, given that the country has been without effective central government for 21 years, the new government is going to face significant challenges in achieving acceptance. International forces have not yet been able to subdue al Shabaab militants, and the militant philosophy has a lot of support in the country. Furthermore, it is difficult to imagine warlords with vested interests peacefully submitting to a new central government.