Before we go in to how fascism looks like in the Somali context, let us first have a look at the ingredients or properties of fascist ideologies. Here is a list of 10 properties that are often imbedded components of fascist ideologies and movements;
1. “aggressive form of ethnic-nationalism”, also known as ethno-nationalism that incorporates the belief in own ‘superiority’ over the “inferior others” showcased through military subjugation. Political power derived from endorsing myth and promoting lies of group ‘superiority’.
2. "Disagreement is treason" – fascism devalues intellectual discourse and critical reasoning as barriers to action, as well as out of fear that such analysis will expose the contradictions embodied in a false sets of beliefs and actions. Disdain for intellectuals and the arts not aligned with the fascist narrative.
3. "Fear of difference and diversity", which fascism seeks to exploit and exacerbate, often in the form of racism or an appeal against ‘other’ groups (ethnicities, clans, neighboring groups, etc). Oppose any initiatives or institutions that are inclusive, divers or ethnically harmonious.
4. "Obsession with a plot" and the hyping-up of an enemy threat. This often combines an appeal to xenophobia with a fear of disloyalty and sabotage from marginalized groups living within the society(domestic) working with external forces trying to destroy the ‘state’. The Identifications of “enemies”/scapegoats as a unifying cause.
5. "There must always be an enemy to fight” justifying to build up the war machines intended to enforce supremacy of the military and embrace of paramilitarism as. fascist arm people and justify and glorify violence as “redemptive”.
6. “Authoritarian, exclusionary leader”, highly authoritarian political leadership and system with leader solely commands, directs, and coordinates the activities of the regime and all facets of government, parliament and courts. Loyalty to the leader is paramount and often more important than competence.The leader never admits mistakes and doesn’t tolerate criticism.
7. “Obsession with security and extreme violation of human rights”. Obsession with national security, crime and punishment, and fostering a sense of the nation under attack.Imprison of media, intellectuals, opposition group leaders. Police apparatus that prevents, controls, and represses dissidence and opposition, including through the use of subversion, intimidation and organized terror.
8. “Fixation with perceived historic humiliation, or victimhood”, strong emphasize on narrow historical narratives of victimhood and Identifications of “enemies”/scapegoats to instill a sense of unified cause and blind loyalty to leader and political narrative and
9. “Corruption, cronyism and control of corporate business, media and elections”. Control of Control of mass media and undermining “truth”, corruption and cronyism of corporate business often for leaders own gain and maintain check on capital power. Fraudulent elections and creation of a one-party state.
10. “False historical narratives of own ethnic or group lineage superiority”. False narratives of hidden histories of the groups own ethnic or group superior lineage, proving a sense of justification for in-group rule, exclusion of those considered as out-groups