This book argues that a leading cause of the political instability in the Horn of Africa is a crisis of governance, caused by extreme centralization of power, weak institutions, and the failure to institutionalise the responsible use of authority.
In recent years, many attempts have been made to resolve the ongoing conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan, but problems remain, and in 2019 the instability spread to Ethiopia. This book critically examines how many of the governance problems in the region can be addressed through institutional design. The central argument is that an inclusive system of governance through federalism, devolution, and inclusive political institutions as well as ensuring the institutionalization of power through strengthening the rule of law has the potential to make governments more accountable, inclusive, and be able to deliver critical services. Such systems ensure relative stability and peace and reduce the risks of state fragmentation – a major concern in the region.
Demonstrating that the threats of further fragmentation and conflict due to the crisis of governance are likely to continue unless serious steps are taken to deal with the situation, the book will be an important read for researchers and policy makers with an interest in peacemaking, politics, constitutional law, and federalism in the region.
Chapter 1: Introduction John Markakis Chapter 2: The State of Governance in Africa Charles Fombad Chapter 3: Federal Systems of Governance in Africa: Patterns and Pitfalls Nico Steytler Chapter 4: Federalism, Devolution, and Territorially-Based Cleavages in Africa: Does Institutional Design Matter? Assefa Fiseha Chapter 5: Regional Organisations in the Horn of Africa: From State-Centred to People-Centred Integration? Harry Verhoeven and Zeray Yihdego Chapter 6: Kenya's Ethno-Politics and Devolved Governance: The Complexities and Dilemmas of Diversity and Inclusion Conrad Bosire and Assefa Fiseha Chapter 7: South Sudan: Devolution by Presidential Decree versus Constitutional Federalism Alfred Sebit Lokuji Chapter 8: Federalism in Somalia: Derailed or on Track? Ibrahim Harun Chapter 9: Lessons in Fiscal Federalism for Somalia: Building Fiscal Sustainability and National Cohesion Solomon Negussie Chapter 10: Constitutional Adjudication and Constitutional Governance in the Horn: Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan Assefa Fiseha and Zemelak Ayele
Charles Manga Fombad is Professor of Law and Director of the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Assefa Fiseha is Professor at the Center for Federalism and Governance Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Nico Steytler is the South African Research Chair in Multilevel Government, Law and Development at the Dullah Omar Institute of Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
