From Normalisation to Reform: Challenging Corruption and Shaping Somalia’s Future

Introduction

Corruption in Somalia is not a new phenomenon, but its normalisation by political elites and public officials threatens to erode the country’s already fragile institutional foundations. Despite efforts to rebuild governance structures after decades of conflict and instability, Somalia remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index has consistently ranked Somalia at the bottom, underscoring the pervasiveness of corruption across all sectors. This article explores the causes, manifestations, and consequences of corruption in Somalia, and proposes actionable reforms to shift from normalisation to accountability and renewal.

Causes of Corruption in Somalia

Somalia’s corruption crisis stems from systemic weaknesses in governance, clan-based politics, lack of oversight, and widespread poverty. The 4.5 power-sharing formula—intended to ensure equitable clan representation—has instead institutionalised nepotism and patronage, giving preference to loyalty over merit (Mudey & Arshad, 2024).

Power is concentrated in a hybrid system where individuals often hold overlapping roles in legislative, executive, and judicial institutions, eliminating checks and balances (Qasaye & Abdi, 2022). This institutional fragility allows elites to manipulate state resources, obstruct justice, and entrench inequality.

Manifestations of Corruption

Corruption in Somalia is both structural and visible. It includes bribery, embezzlement, election fraud, and economic monopolies. Public services are corrupted through under-the-table payments for documents such as passports and certificates (Bulale, 2023), while elections are frequently compromised by vote-buying and clan interference (Bincof, 2023).

In the humanitarian sector, aid distribution is marred by favouritism, with relief projects and hiring often tied to bribery (Sofe, 2020).

Recent High-Profile Cases

Recent scandals expose the depth of Somalia’s corruption:

• In January 2025, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change was accused of misappropriating climate aid funds (AllAfrica, 2025).
• In February 2024, twelve former federal officials, including the immigration chief, were tried in absentia for embezzlement (The Somali Digest, 2024).
• In August 2024, Health Minister Ali Haji was accused of misusing World Bank and WHO donor funds (Horn Observer, 2024).
• The Somali Football Federation faced a mass resignation of referees over corruption in October 2024 (Wikipedia, 2024).
• In November 2024, a constitutional crisis erupted between the federal government and Jubaland over corruption and power abuse (Wikipedia, 2024).

Impacts of Corruption

Elites have monopolised the import and export of staple goods like sugar, rice, and flour. These few individuals, tied closely to the government, keep prices high, leaving millions unable to afford basic necessities. Unsafe, expired food and medicine enter the country unchecked, while barriers in Mogadishu’s port make trade inaccessible to ordinary business owners.

Meanwhile, thousands of Somali youth graduate each year into a system that neither recognises their potential nor offers them jobs. The result is a mass exodus: a brain drain of young people risking their lives to flee. In stark contrast, members of parliament send their families to Europe and Kenya, distancing themselves from the public health crises, poverty, and insecurity plaguing ordinary citizens.

In Mogadishu’s streets, elderly women, children as young as six, and the disabled sleep under open skies. Many beg for a dollar to buy rice or medicine. This grim reality mirrors the dystopia portrayed in In Time (2011), where the wealthy live indefinitely while the poor perish daily. “For a few to be immortal, many must die,” say Somali elites with their actions. “One of us can make it, take my food,” whispered poor parents to their children.

Lessons from Faith and History

The Qur’an warns explicitly against corruption. Prophet Shu’ayb’s people were destroyed for economic injustice and moral decay. Surah Al-A’raf (7:56) commands:

“And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.”

These warnings are spiritual and historical. No society thrives on exploitation.

Path Forward: Anti-Corruption Strategies

• Empower Oversight Institutions: Fully fund and insulate anti-corruption commissions from political influence [(Mudey & Arshad, 2024)].
• Adopt E-Government Tools: Use digital systems for transparent procurement and recordkeeping [(Abdullahi & Abdullahi, 2024)].
• Support Merit-Based Civil Service: Increase salaries and promote based on qualifications, not clan ties [(Hassan et al., 2015)].
• Revise Trade Policy:
  • Monitor imported food and medicines for quality and expiration.
  • Streamline port logistics and allow broader access to import/export licenses.
  • Lower business registration costs and shorten approval timelines.
  • Remove tariffs on staple goods like wheat, milk, diapers, and rice.
• Promote Civic Education: Use media, schools, and mosques to teach integrity and democracy [(Hersi, 2023)].

Conclusion

Somalia’s fight against corruption is a moral and existential challenge. The normalisation of inequality, nepotism, and exploitation threatens national unity and long-term peace. But a better future is possible—one where opportunity, justice, and dignity are accessible to all. For that to happen, Somalia must break the cycle, empower its people, and embrace reform.

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