Pan-Africanism in Somalia: Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century

Pan-Africanism has been a significant force in African politics since the early 20th century, advocating for unity across the continent. Somalia, as one of the earliest signatories to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), has seen its own version of Pan-Africanism evolve over decades. The study employs a comparative analysis approach, drawing from historical documents, scholarly articles, and interviews with key political figures and activists in Somalia. Comparative frameworks will be used to situate Somali Pan-Africanist movements within the broader African context. Pan-Africanism has played a crucial role in shaping national identity and fostering cross-border cooperation among Somalis, particularly in areas like education and healthcare. However, challenges persist regarding implementation of pan-regional policies and integration into international frameworks. Despite these challenges, the study concludes that Pan-Africanist movements continue to offer Somalia valuable insights for future socio-economic development and political stability within a pan-African context. Recommendations include strengthening institutional links between Somali Pan-Africanist groups and regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and strengthening cross-border cooperation initiatives. Additionally, there is a need to enhance educational programmes on Pan-Africanism in schools and universities. Pan-Africanism, Somalia, National Identity, Governance, Socio-Economic Development