With a graveyard of foreign-policy failures, Somalia has known only a few months of peace in the last decades and lies in a state of chaos.
Corruption runs deep due to years of civil war and political instability. The country suffers from weak institutions and leaders often misuse aid and resources, preventing any real progress.
As a result, Africa’s easternmost country, located in the Horn of Africa, is described as the most dangerous, and most corrupt, country in the world.
Following the collapse of the central government in 1991, the absence of a strong, functioning government created a power vacuum, where various warlords, militias and clans fought for control. This led to the rise of an informal, patronage-based system of governance that encourages corruption.
Somali society is traditionally based on clan structures. Political loyalty and power are often tied to clan affiliation, which can overshadow national interests. This has led to the allocation of resources based on clan loyalty rather than merit or need, fostering nepotism and corruption.
According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, which scores 180 countries worldwide, Somalia has a current score of 11 out of 100, meaning it now ranks 180 out of 180 – below the likes of Syria, South Sudan, Yemen and North Korea. This figure is, however, an improvement from its record low of eight a decade ago.
The lack of transparency and accountability in both government and public institutions makes it easier for corruption to persist. Public officials and agencies often misuse their positions for personal gain without facing significant consequences due to the limited enforcement of laws.
The Foreign Office’s advice to any Brits intending to travel to Somalia is extensive. It warns that there is a high threat of terrorism affecting UK interests and British nationals. The terrorist group, Al Shabaab, and other groups opposed to the Somali government, continue to carry out frequent attacks, including in the capital Mogadishu.
Terrorist groups operating in Somalia have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations in Somalia, including Somaliland.
There is also a high threat of kidnapping throughout Somalia, including in regions bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, and in Somaliland – the self-declared republic. Several western nationals, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in Somalia and some have been killed.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers.
There is still a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, where piracy has been reduced but not fully prevented. Pirates can attack up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast or more. The Foreign Office states that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.
There is also a dangerous level of criminal activity by armed militia throughout the country and it has been plagued by murders, armed robbery and criminal kidnappings.
The humanitarian situation in Somalia has led to a large displacement of people and a growth in refugee camps which are overpopulated. Food and health insecurity has led to an increase in crime, particularly around these camps.
While foreign aid is critical, it can also be a source of corruption, as it is sometimes mismanaged or diverted for personal or political purposes. Lack of oversight on aid distribution exacerbates this problem.
Somalia has adopted Sharia law but has yet to implement it throughout the country. Al-Shabaab and other insurgent groups often have an extreme view on how to apply Sharia law. It is illegal for Somali Muslims to convert to another religion or promote any religion other than Islam and the drinking and sale of alcohol is banned.
While Somalia has made progress in recent years with the establishment of a Federal Government and some security improvements, corruption remains a widespread challenge that requires far-reaching reforms.