Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid Universiteit Gent Academiejaar 2012-2013 Research into a Harmonised Legal System for Somalia and Analysis of its Different Judicial Systems Masterproef van de opleiding 'Master in de Rechten' Ingediend door Aline Wauters 00702475 Promotor: Prof. Dr. Somers Commissaris: Mevr. Coppens I Acknowledgements I would like to express my gratitude towards several people, whose efforts each in their own way have contributed to the process of finalising my dissertation. Prof. Dr. Somers, my dissertation advisor; for granting me the opportunity to write about the most enriched legal culture of the Somali people. Jasmine Coppens, who guided me throughout the whole process of effectuating my dissertation, by providing stimulating suggestions and accurate advice. Bijou D'Haeyer, who was born in Somalia and enriched my knowledge on the Somali history and legal traditions, with engrossing narratives on the Somali culture. Saihou Cham, for his efforts to proofread this dissertation and to perfect the English grammar and orthography. My parents, for giving me the opportunity to acquire an academic degree and their endless support. II Table of Contents Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... II Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... III Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................. IX 1. Preface............................................................................................................................................................. 1 2. The Somali Background: A Failed State ............................................................................................. 4 2.1 General Data .......................................................................................................................................... 4 2.1.1 The Somali Scene......................................................................................................................... 4 2.1.2 The Somali Identity: Religion and Genealogy .................................................................. 5 2.1.3 The Somali Living Situation .................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Historical Overview ............................................................................................................................ 6 2.2.1 Colonialism .................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2 Independence: The Somali State ........................................................................................... 7 2.2.3 The Siyvad Barre Era ................................................................................................................. 8 2.2.4 International Engagement: UNOSOM I & II ....................................................................... 9 2.2.5 Renewed Hope for a Somali Government? ..................................................................... 11 2.2.6 Al Shabaab and Other Insurgent Groups ........................................................................ 12 2.2.7 Current Somali Situation ....................................................................................................... 13 2.3 Somalia: A Failed State ................................................................................................................... 13 2.3.1 Defining Failed States ............................................................................................................. 14 2.3.2 Legal Consequences of State Failure ................................................................................ 14 2.3.3 The Failed State Index and its Qualifications ................................................................ 16 Demographic Mounting Pressures .......................................................................................... 16 Mass Movement of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) ..................... 16 Grievance Groups Seeking Revenge ........................................................................................ 17 Chronic and Sustained Human Flight and Brain Drain ................................................... 17 Uneven Economic Development .............................................................................................. 17 Poverty and Severe Economic Decline................................................................................... 17 Deterioration of Public Services ............................................................................................... 18 Rule of Law and Human Rights Violations ........................................................................... 18 III Security Apparatus ........................................................................................................................ 18 Factionalised Elites ........................................................................................................................ 18 Intervention of External Actors ................................................................................................ 19 2.4 Somaliland: Qualifications for Independence ....................................................................... 19 2.4.1 State Criteria .............................................................................................................................. 20 Permanent Population ................................................................................................................. 20 Defined Territory ........................................................................................................................... 20 Government ...................................................................................................................................... 20 The Capacity to Enter into Relations with Other States .................................................. 21 2.4.2 International Disavowal ........................................................................................................ 21 2.4.3 De Facto Recognition? ............................................................................................................ 22 2.4.4 What the Future Holds ........................................................................................................... 22 2.5 International Engagement ............................................................................................................ 23 2.5.1 AMISOM ....................................................................................................................................... 23 2.5.2 United Nations in Somalia .................................................................................................... 24 2.5.3 State Actors ................................................................................................................................ 27 2.5.4 NGO's............................................................................................................................................. 27 3.1 Formal Judicial Structures ............................................................................................................ 29 3.1.1 The Federal Government of Somalia ................................................................................ 29 The Somali Battle: Rebuilding State Infrastructure .......................................................... 29 Composition of the Somali Federal Institutions ................................................................. 30 The Somali Constitution .............................................................................................................. 31 Somali National Courts ................................................................................................................ 33 Evaluation of the Somali Formal Judicial System .............................................................. 33 3.1.2 The Republic of Somaliland ................................................................................................. 33 Somaliland State Building ........................................................................................................... 34 The Somaliland Constitution ..................................................................................................... 35 Structure of the Somaliland Judicial System ........................................................................ 36 Evaluation of the Somaliland Judicial System ..................................................................... 37 3.1.3 The Puntland State of Somalia ............................................................................................ 39 Puntland State Building Efforts ................................................................................................ 39 The Puntland Constitution ......................................................................................................... 39 IV Legal Status of Puntland? ............................................................................................................ 40 Evaluation of the Puntland Judicial System ........................................................................