The Somali Civil War: Integrating Traditional and Modern Peacebuilding Approaches

Abstract

This study seeks to assess how the conflict in Somalia has transformed over the years and examines the merits of adopting a hybrid approach to peacebuilding. The article argues that given the changes experienced in the conflict and the sociopolitical and cultural characteristics of the Somali Society, a hybrid peace strategy which combines the traditional Xeer approach and contemporary counter-terrorism strategies can fill the gaps previous peace efforts failed to achieve. This approach has the potential to re-establish the horizontal and vertical social contracts between the people themselves and with the government which had been lost prior to and during the conflict.

Culture of war, instability and sustained contemporary conflicts across African states

“…The conflicts and instability in the country was so intense that is actively rages to this day. Nyadera and Ahmed (2020) note that the protracted period of war in Somalia is one that few donors, international organizations, consultants and academicians that provide strategies and models for peace have lived through. Omar (2018) laments that the protracted conflict in Somalia has resulted in a total collapse of the state, with deep rooted conflict that has resulted in fragmentation of the country and a deterioration of security and institutions.…”

“…The armed conflict has rapidly transformed from a civil war into war against terrorism, human trafficking, piracy, a refugee crisis, transnational attacks and economic crimes. Further, it has also resulted in disintegration of the political and socio-economic fabrics in the country (Nyadera & Ahmed, 2020). Belay (2019) identifies key causes of the conflict in Somalia as; identity politics/clannism, sustained political economy due to state collapse, weak state institutions, rise of Islamist groups, competing interests of regional and international powers.…”