Somalia's recent history has been mired in protracted civil wars resulting in a corrupt and fragmented distribution of governance and power, with a lack of basic governance at central level. As a result, the insecurity and political fragmentation is extremely high and "the nationwide level of administration and socio-economic indicators are very low" (University of Bonn). Indeed, Menkhaus highlights how Somalia's political instability is an example of the longest state collapse in the post colonial era (Menkhaus 74).
The political instability of Somalia has been exacerbated by failed attempts of the international community to restore peace and as such Menkhaus argues that Somalia's state collapse at governance level falls into the "dubious distinction of being the world's foremost graveyard of externally sponsored state-building initiatives" (Menkhaus 74).
[...] However, Dr Freier's recent address at the 28th SALAN Regional Meeting and 15th Anniversary Celebrations in Namibia indicated that the 2008 Freedom House World Report's rankings regarding the development of governance systems in African countries was a “generous compliment” on grounds that a “Liberal Democracy at its best represents exactly the very political system where the negative freedoms (civil liberties) and the corresponding first generation rights are enshrined in a “living constitution” representing a crucial element of a political and legal culture” (2009). [...]
[...] This is further evidenced by Menkhaus' arguments regarding the lack of governance and sustainability of current economic growth in a “thriving” artificial private market. Accordingly, the above analysis demonstrates that the role of human rights protection and the socio-economic backdrop in Somalia not only hinders long term sustainable economic development, it ultimately as Menkhaus argues controls the type of economic development in Somalia. It is submitted that the crux of the problem is the concept and development of the in postcolonial Somalia. [...]
[...] It is further submitted that the role of the state is fundamental to the role of human rights in Somalia as a weak state will inherently submit to the power of multinational objectives (Ukaga & Afoaku). Additionally, a self serving state that ignores local interests facilitates socio-economic tensions as evidenced by the poverty stricken collapsed state of Somalia (Szirmai, 25). However, the inherent complexity of the socio political divisions in Somalia continues to perpetuate instability in the adherence to international and continental Pan-African measures to promote and enforce human rights. [...]
[...] 2nd Edition Oxford University Press, (2007). Rodriguez, P., Uhlenbruck, K., & Eden, L. Government Corruption and the Entry Strategies of Multinationals. Volume 30 No 383-396, (2005). Rotberg, R. Battling Terrorism in the Horn of Africa. Brookings Institution Press Szirmai, A. Dynamics of socio-economic development. Cambridge University Press O. Ukaga, & O. G. Afoaku. Sustainable Development in Africa: a multifaceted Challenge. Africa World Press University of Bonn (2009). State [...]
[...] This in turn further supports Menkhaus' argument with regard to the complex socio-political makeup of Somalia contributing to both its economic development and hindering any incentive towards a stable system of governance simultaneously (Menkaus 76). Indeed, Menkhaus asserts that it is only by: “Distinguishing between local interests in armed conflict, criminality, and state collapse can observers make sense of the otherwise puzzling behavior of Somali political, civic, and economic actors who promote peace and local policing systems while quietly undermining efforts to revive the state” (76). [...]
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