Somali educationist and political reform advocate, Professor Abdirahman Moalim Ahmed, has called on African leaders to prioritise building strong institutions rather than relying on powerful individuals, warning that sustainable democracy and national unity can only thrive where governance is anchored on accountability, justice and the rule of law.
Professor Ahmed made the call during the third edition of Perspectives with Simiat Abaru, a virtual dialogue held on Friday, July 10, 2026, where he spoke on the theme, “Democracy: Can Common Identity Guarantee National Unity?”
Drawing from Somalia's political history, the professor argued that sharing the same language, religion or ethnicity does not automatically guarantee national cohesion.
According to him, countries with common identities can still experience prolonged instability when leadership fails to promote inclusion, justice, development and accountable governance.
Using Somalia as a case study, Professor Ahmed explained that despite the country's largely homogeneous population, decades of clan politics, weak institutions and poor governance contributed significantly to persistent instability.
He noted that Somalia's transition from a unitary system to a federal structure after the collapse of its central government in 1991 had not completely resolved internal divisions, stressing that no political system can succeed without visionary leadership and effective institutions.
Speaking on the state of democracy across Africa, Professor Ahmed urged political leaders to respect constitutional processes, uphold the rule of law and protect democratic values by ensuring peaceful transitions of power.
He cautioned against constitutional amendments aimed at extending the tenure of elected officials, maintaining that Africa's future depends on strengthening institutions rather than concentrating power in individuals.
The scholar also challenged African nations to take greater responsibility for their development instead of attributing their challenges solely to external interference. He called for stronger collaboration among African countries to advance the ideals of Pan-Africanism and promote shared prosperity across the continent.
Professor Ahmed further described education as one of the most powerful tools for national transformation, urging governments to invest more in quality education to produce responsible citizens, ethical leaders and informed future generations.
During the interactive session, participants echoed the need for greater accountability in governance, urging citizens to actively hold public office holders accountable while encouraging the emergence of leaders committed to integrity, transparency and public service.
Contributors also emphasised that leadership is a shared responsibility, noting that followers, institutions and civil society all have critical roles to play in shaping Africa's democratic future.
The programme concluded with a renewed call for ethical leadership, stronger democratic institutions, active citizenship and deliberate nation-building as essential pillars for achieving lasting peace, democracy and national unity across Africa.
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