The role of the Somali National University and its international inter-university relations in the scientific, economic, and legal development of Somali society

It has been 11 years since the reopening of the Somali National University (SNU) in Mogadishu, following a 23-year interruption due to the civil war. This article reviews the milestones achieved since the university’s revival in 2014, assessing the fulfillment of its initial expectations and outlining future achievable objectives. Following the government’s strategic decision in 2012, the first Rector was appointed to guide the university’s revival; this initiative marked the beginning of the relaunch and the enrollment of the first group of students in the post-conflict context. Key developments include establishing robust partnerships with universities across North America, Europe, and Africa, helping to reconnect the Somali academic diaspora, as evidenced by international conferences held in Mogadishu in 2016 and 2018. Additionally, the re-establishment of historical and academic ties with Italian universities initiated a bilateral collaboration program aimed at reintegrating SNU into the global academic community. Adapting SNU’s academic structure to align with the global system of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral (PhD) programs is a vital step towards strengthening its position as a catalyst for Somalia’s socio-economic development. The article also examines ongoing constitutional and legal reforms in Somalia, which aim to align the country’s legal framework with international standards, and highlights the complementary roles of higher education and legal development in the nation’s reconstruction. Despite the progress made, the path to achieving a full reorganization is not yet complete, and the cooperation program with Italian and international universities will provide further scientific, technical, and financial support to fully enable the SNU to become the engine of development for Somali society.