Credit: Allafrica.com
In 1961, the constitution of Somalia was overwhelmingly approved by the citizens of the newly-formed Somali nation-state. So, one might ask, what prompted the need for the new ‘provisional’ constitution passed on August 1, 2012?
Somalia is currently gearing up for the official end of its period of transition on August 20 when it will elect a new government and enshrine a new permanent constitution. There has been considerable controversy surrounding the new constitution, which was instigated, driven, and made a mandatory item in Somalia’s transitional road map by external actors. More specifically, it was pushed by Somalia’s ‘ghost lords’ – foreign elements who benefit from business as usual. As it is, this latest constitution may facilitate the further polarisation of Somali society and ultimately give rise to renewed civil conflict.