Language Standardization and State Collapse: Somalia’s Journey from Mobilization to Fragmentation (1969-Present)

This paper analyzes the historical, political, and linguistic evolution of Somalia, focusing on the period under President Mohamed Siad Barre (1969–1991) and its aftermath. The work explores the phase of national development and social mobilization that included the standardization of the Somali language using the Latin script in 1972, economic growth, and infrastructure expansion. Subsequently, the essay examines the collapse of the state and the dramatic consequences of the civil conflict, including the unilateral seces¬sion and the failure of early peace initiatives. Finally, the paper concludes with a perspective on Somalia’s future, highlighting progress in governance and the emergence of a technolo-gy-driven economy, stressing that stability depends on unity and institutional strengthening.