By Wilo Abdulle Osman

What Stands Between Somalis are the root causes of the national problem – The Root factors of Somalia’s Challenges and the Path to Unity.

Somalia, a country with immense potential and a proud cultural heritage, has long been mired in a cycle of challenges that obstruct its path toward peace, stability, and sustainable development. Central to these challenges is the concept of dhextaal, a metaphorical representation of the divisions and internal conflicts that have taken root in Somali society. This dhextaal has become the foundation of Somalia’s enduring struggles, and dismantling it is crucial to building a brighter and more unified future.

What Stands Between Us?

For decades, the Somali people have suffered the consequences of internal turmoil—clan politics, mistrust, and a lack of national purpose—that has kept the nation fractured and fragile. Underneath the surface lies a system of self-destruction, mutual blame, mistrust and hostility that divides communities, leaders, and institutions in all levels. Instead of working together, Somali society is caught in a relentless cycle of finger-pointing and internal clan-based conflicts and competition. This toxic environment has created fertile ground for opportunists and mercenaries who exploit Somalia’s vulnerabilities for personal or external gains.

The absence of unity, shared rules and collective accountability exacerbates this problem. There is no cohesive framework for governance or decision-making, leaving the country fragmented and without a clear direction. The ongoing violence and instability have become a business venture for some, both within and outside of the country. What keeps Somalia in turmoil is not merely a lack of resources but the bloody stalemates that benefit a few at the expense of the many.

Today, large portions of the Somali population live in despair, trapped in a life defined by violence, poverty and uncertainty. Senseless killings, the destruction of livelihoods, and the lack of basic services have locked the people into a vicious cycle. The youth, in particular, are often exploited by all sides in this conflict, dragged into violence with no alternative for a better life.

If Somalia is to escape this trap, the Somali people, particularly youth  must rise to resist the forces that perpetuate division and build a society where basic needs—such as education, healthcare, and security—are met for all. The current situation, where public trust in the government is nearly nonexistent, must be reversed. Vulnerable populations, recently evicted from government-owned buildings in Mogadishu and displaced to benefit private business interests, need protection, not neglect.

This begs critical questions: Who truly holds authority on the ground in Somalia? And what are the primary obstacles to sustainable peace? The internal threats are not just external actors or opportunists but also the politicians and leaders within Somalia who fail to prioritize the well-being of the nation. Dhextaal, the internal issues such as division and lack of purpose, is the primary obstacle. Without a united vision for Somalia’s future, the cycle of violence and stagnation will persist.

The Barriers to Progress

Somalia’s path to peace and sustainable homegrown solutions is riddled with deeply entrenched obstacles. These include:

1) Division and Fragmentation: A fractured society, where individuals and groups prioritize personal and clan interests over the collective good.
2) Mistrust: Widespread suspicion among communities, leaders, and institutions in all levels of the society, which undermines collaboration and cooperation.
3) Lack of Support and Solidarity: Communities and individuals are isolated, with no mutual assistance or shared purpose to unify them.
4) Confusion and Misdirection: Efforts to address issues often lack clear priorities, leading to misaligned and ineffective solutions.
5) Corruption and Hypocrisy: Endemic corruption and self-serving leadership erode trust and perpetuate instability, leaving the nation in disarray.

These dhextaal factors collectively deprive Somali society of solutions, rules, and unity, driving it into fragmentation, suspicion and isolation. The absence of a shared vision or cohesive purpose creates an environment that lacks freedom, stability, and progress. This vicious cycle ensures the continuation of the nation’s challenges and fragility.

Who Benefits from This Chaos?

In Somalia’s fragmented state, the primary beneficiaries are those who exploit instability to secure personal gain. Opportunists, corrupt leaders, and external actors profit from Somalia’s divisions, manipulating resources and power to serve their agendas. Meanwhile, the broader population bears the brunt of the suffering. Without a unified front to oppose these forces, Somalia remains vulnerable to exploitation, and its people remain trapped in poverty, insecurity, and despair.

Breaking the Cycle: A Path Forward

To dismantle dhextaal factors and address the root causes of Somalia’s challenges, the nation must embark on a transformative journey centered on unity, accountability, and sustainable homegrown solutions. The following steps are essential:

• Fostering Social Cohesion: Building trust and solidarity among communities through open dialogue and shared goals.
• Establishing Common Rules: Creating a unified framework for governance and accountability to guide fair decision-making and ensure justice for all.
• Combating Corruption: Addressing corruption and hypocrisy at all levels of leadership to restore trust in institutions and end exploitation.
• Empowering Ethical Leadership: Supporting leaders with vision, integrity, and a commitment to the collective good over personal or clan interests.
• Encouraging Community Participation: Engaging citizens in decision-making processes to promote inclusivity, shared responsibility, and national unity.

These steps require a collective effort from Somali citizens, leaders, and intellectuals. Somalia’s future will depend on the ability of its people to rise above divisions, dismantle the structures of dhextaal, and build a nation guided by shared values and principles and respect for human rights.

Conclusion

Somalia’s challenges are immense, but they are not insurmountable. The key lies in addressing the foundations of division and instability that have held the nation back for decades. By dismantling dhextaal—the metaphorical foundation of Somalia’s problems—and replacing it with unity and purpose, Somalia can chart a new path forward. This journey will not be easy, but it is essential for achieving peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Somali people, united in their purpose, can transform their nation into a beacon of hope and progress. The first step is recognizing that the same dhextaal that divides us can be the starting point for collective ideological change.

Wilo Abdulle Osman
Email: wilo.abdulle@gmail.com