In June 2023, the Center for Democracy and Governance (CDG) conducted a comprehensive conflict analysis of Somaliland’s House of Representatives (HoR), focusing on internal conflicts and governance challenges affecting its effectiveness. Key findings include:
Clan Influence and Political Divisions: Clan affiliations heavily influence parliamentary operations, creating factions and reducing collaboration. This has led to legislative inefficiencies and hindered cohesive governance.
Election of Leadership: Political party dynamics and rivalry during the election of the Speaker and other leadership roles have intensified divisions within the HoR, undermining the legislative agenda.
Legislative Gaps: Outdated laws and regulations within the HoR lack clarity, especially regarding leadership elections, exacerbating conflicts among members.
Capacity Constraints: Many newly elected members lack training in legislative processes, affecting their performance and understanding of governance roles.
Weak Engagement with Civil Society: Limited interaction with civil society organizations has affected transparency and public involvement in legislative decisions.
Recommendations for Improvement: CDG suggests capacity-building programs for MPs, revising legislative frameworks, fostering civil society engagement, and encouraging inter-party dialogue to address these challenges and promote a more stable parliamentary environment.