Somalia’s diaspora, estimated at over two million people (12.5% of the population), plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and politics. Remittances alone reached $2 billion in 2019, sustaining millions of households, funding small and medium-sized enterprises, and revitalizing local economies. The return of skilled diaspora professionals, through programs like MiDA, has contributed to rebuilding key institutions such as the Central Bank. However, the political influence of the diaspora has sparked growing controversy. While some technocrats have improved governance, others have been sidelined, co-opted into politics, or promoted into ineffective roles. Under Farmaajo’s administration, diaspora dominance in parliament and the cabinet raised concerns about an emerging “diasporacracy.” Public perception surveys indicate rising tensions, with fears that diaspora elites could deepen social divisions. Despite their exposure to democratic systems abroad, many diaspora politicians have failed to foster transparency or reform, often perpetuating corruption and political dysfunction. Drawing lessons from Afghanistan’s experience with a self-serving diaspora elite, Somalia faces a critical challenge: harnessing the diaspora’s economic and intellectual strengths while curbing the political risks. Achieving this balance requires enlightened leadership, strategic planning, and governance reforms that prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and national unity.