Reflecting on Arta Peace Conference

 Only the ignorant celebrate the time and place where their dignity was buried.

Although critical analysis is not widespread among Somalis, I have observed voices on social media questioning the true intent behind the Carta Conference, which introduced the deeply flawed 4.5 clan power-sharing formula—four major clans and a "half" for minorities. One must ask: where did this concept of a “half clan” originate? What criteria was it based on, especially in the absence of a reliable census?

This formula has no precedent in global governance and was crafted by individuals regarded as Somali intellectuals—many of whom were aware of its harmful nature, yet still promoted it as a “solution.”

Now, 25 years later, the question remains: if it wasn’t a solution, what was it? I reflect on the age of the clan conflict at that time—it was barely nine years old. So how old and entrenched is it now, post-Carta? It becomes clear that the path chosen was misguided. At the time, there was no religious war, no foreign troops, and no externally imposed government. While the situation was far from ideal, Somalis still held ownership of their destiny.

Let us not pretend that warlords were the only issue then. Today, we face an even more troubling reality: a multitude of self-proclaimed presidents, enabled by the same flawed 4.5 system. Worse still, some of these leaders openly sell out the country—and are applauded for it.

This is not a critique of our Djiboutian brothers, but rather a reflection on how circumstances have evolved.

As for me, I believe the true solution lies in a unified Somali state—one government that represents all Somalis equally. Perhaps I am the one who fails to understand, having never embraced the revolving cast of factions and the ever-growing number of presidents.

The hope that Somalia will rise from its ashes lives in the collective consciousness of its people. However, this hope can only be realized through comprehensive reform—starting from Youth Awakening.