We will see the problems and prospects of sponsored state re-formation in a region of Africa that has more than its share of problems. The Arta Conference, named after Djibouti government barracks a few miles away from the capital, has few comparative precedents in the state building approaches in Africa. First, it is sponsored by a foreign state either out of philanthropy and altruism or out of pure self-interest. The motives did not come out loud and clear. Second, the Djibouti process openly called for clear clan representation in politics with clan membership taken as an organising principle for elections to parliamentary seats.
Observers say that is a right approach given the Somali situation.
Somalia is a failed nation state that could have an exemplary to many an African states. It was distorted and degenerated into chaos which lasted for a decade. Many blame the Siad Bare government. Ironically, many of the people now elected to the 245-person Transitional National Assembly belong to the same regime. The best example is the new president himself elected on 25 August 2000.