Somalia's Collapse Deepens: Courts Turn Into Political Weapons

The judiciary in Somalia has become a battleground for political rivalries, further destabilizing the nation.

Somalia’s political crisis has taken a grim turn, showcasing its status as a failed state where institutions function as battlegrounds for rival factions. Recent court orders from Mogadishu and Kismayo underline the alarming breakdown of governance and justice in the country.

In Mogadishu, the Banadir Regional Court issued an arrest warrant for Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubbaland, accusing him of criminal activities. In a retaliatory move, the Kismayo District Court called for the arrest of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alleging national betrayal. These events reflect a troubling reality: Somalia’s judiciary is no longer a neutral arbiter but a political tool manipulated by powerful factions.

These actions highlight Somalia’s deep institutional decay. The federal government and Jubbaland have long been at odds, and the judiciary’s involvement in their disputes further erodes its credibility. Instead of fostering unity, the country’s federal framework has become a source of division, with regions like Jubbaland prioritizing autonomy over national cohesion.

As tensions escalate, Somalia’s fragile stability hangs in the balance. The use of courts to settle political scores not only weakens the rule of law but also exacerbates mistrust among political actors. Without significant reforms to ensure judicial independence and institutional accountability, Somalia risks deepening its descent into chaos.

For Somalia to move forward, its leaders must prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and structural reform. Without these, the country remains a stark symbol of a failed state, struggling to rise above its divisions and dysfunction.