Assessing the Impact of Social Accountability on Good Governance: Case Study of Puntland, Somalia

Abstract

This study examines the correlation between social accountability and good governance through a case study of Somalia. The purpose of this research was to assess how social accountability practices could contribute to the improvement of governance in a context characterized by significant challenges. Researcher has been in community development works for over 17 years and he was poised to generate valuable insight that can inform policy makers and drive a positive change towards social accountability and good governance across the country. This area of study was untouched and wasn’t examined before but this study would contribute and bring forward to do in-depth further research. Somalia has long been plagued by social accountability challenges and poor governance, with clan structures often dominating the political landscape and hindering the development of effective governance mechanisms. In the absence of an effective federal government that could provide a basic service and uphold the rule of law, resulted poor governance. By examining the potential impact of social accountability on governance in Somalia, this study highlights the importance of fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in order to promote good governance practices. It is argued that social accountability can help empower citizens, hold leaders accountable, and shape more effective and responsive government institutions. Ultimately, this research underscores the transformative potential of social accountability in improving governance outcomes and building a more just and inclusive society in Somalia, by educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities, raising awareness among the population, individuals to better understand how they can actively participate in holding their leaders accountable and demanding transparency in government actions. Furthermore, building strong institutions that have the capacity to oversee government activities and ensure compliance with laws and regulations is essential. Establishing independent bodies for oversight, such as anti-corruption agencies and ombudsman offices help prevent abuses of power and promote accountability at all levels of government. Strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media is also recommended to amplify the voices of citizens and provide platforms for public scrutiny of government actions. CSOs play a crucial role in monitoring government performance, advocating for policy changes, and representing the interests of marginalized communities. Additionally, creating user-friendly systems for reporting cases of misconduct or abuse of power is vital to encourage citizen participation in accountability processes. Establishing mechanisms for anonymous reporting and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation can empower individuals to speak out against corruption and malpractice.