## Overview The Somalian government, officially known as the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), is the internationally recognized central authority of Somalia, a country in the Horn of Africa. Operating under a federal system, the government is structured into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with the president as head of state and the prime minister as head of government[1]. The country is composed of both the federal government and semi-autonomous federal member states (FMS), each with its own constitution, government, and, in some cases, armed forces[2]. ## History Somalia’s modern governance has been shaped by decades of civil war, clan-based conflict, and state collapse. The current federal framework emerged in 2012 with the adoption of a provisional constitution, which sought to balance power between the central government and regional authorities[1]. The political system is deeply influenced by clan dynamics, notably the “4.5 formula,” which allocates key positions among major clan families and minorities[2]. The country’s recent history has been marked by efforts to rebuild state institutions, often with significant international support. ## Key Achievements Since 2012, the FGS has achieved several milestones: the adoption of a federal constitution, the establishment of a bicameral parliament, and the gradual extension of government authority beyond Mogadishu[1]. The government has also launched ambitious reforms, including plans for universal suffrage and one-person, one-vote elections, aiming to move beyond clan-based politics[4]. In 2025, Somalia initiated a national voter registration campaign, a critical step toward its first direct elections since 1969[8]. ## Current Status As of late 2025, Somalia faces significant challenges. Security remains precarious, with the militant group Al-Shabaab exploiting political and clan divisions to maintain influence[5]. Tensions persist between the federal government and some FMS, notably Puntland, which has opposed recent constitutional changes[4].