Somali Perspectives: Security, Elections, and the Federalisation Process

The high-level seminar held in Rome on 15 April 2016, which saw the participation of delegations from Galmudug and South West regional states, represented an important opportunity to trigger international dialogue on the future of Somali institutions and the security challenges affecting the Horn of Africa. The seminar was organised by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the Embassy of Italy to the Federal Republic of Somalia. The security situation seems to have improved, even if the path towards stabilisation and peace still appears to be troubled and in need of international assistance to build up reliable local forces. At the same time, the definition of a viable electoral system seems to be a key aspect for the future of Somalia. Finally, building a federalist model appeared to be a common ground, but the kind of federalism to adopt is still a matter of contention and discussion.

Report of the high-level seminar on "Somali Perspectives: Institutional and Policy Challenges" organised in Rome on 15 April 2016 by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the Embassy of Italy to the Federal Republic of Somalia.