SOMALIA: The Forgotten Minorities

Abstract

Somalis have long since been represented as a homogenous ethnic society with a common myth of origin (patrilineal descent from a common ancestor), a common language (Somali), common religion (Sunni Islam) and common customs (particularly related to pastoral-nomadism and camel husbandry) (Lewis 1961; Laitin and Samatar 1987). Reviews of a list of literature have shown that the country’s economy, politics, and social issues have been controlling by the ordinary Somalis whereas minority communities have been marginalized and sometimes even oppressed and exploited to take part the decision-making process, state building, and elections in Somalia. The study focused on the issues of identity-based politics on minority groups in Somalia for their political participation, job opportunities, marriage, and the right of property. Since Somalia`s political system is based on clan political system and the country exercises what politicians call 4.5 law “A power-sharing formula." The paper argued that “4.5 laws” is what makes minorities in Somalia more vulnerable and creates inequality between and among Somalian people. According to the definition given to “4.5 law” is a– power-sharing mechanism in which the selection of political system in Somalia is based on. This 4.5 Formula gives more power and chance of selection to (majority clan) in the elections and gives less political power to minority groups in Somalia.

Keywords: Somalia, Minority, Majority, Clan, Inequality, Power, Political, and Election.