Early Somali political blocs formed around personalities rather than party or ideology

Evidence

The two political blocs that informally emerged after July 1, 1960, were not divided along party or ideological lines. For example, one group was led by Abdullahi Issa (SYL) and Mohamed Ibrahim Egal (Somali National League), while Abdirashid Ali Sharmarkee (SYL) led the other cluster. … This meant that party lines had disappeared and most MPs supported whomever they wished, regardless of political affiliation. Such development signaled instability in the political process, marked the absence of party discipline, and had far-reaching implications for the country. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 510