Somaliland is a leading state that is championing adoption and practicing democracy in the Greater Horn. Free and fair elections, privatization, constitutionally changed governments and the free press are unique to Somaliland. All these are not something injected into Somaliland or imported from outside and there were no external supports that helped Somaliland to come here. This paper examines how this triumph was achieved – a background to Somaliland peacebuilding – stakeholders’ contribution to peacebuilding – and factors sustained stability and peace in Somaliland. It finds that a bottom-up-approach is successful strategy in peacebuilding and institution process.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background to Somaliland peacebuilding
3. Somaliland peacebuildings
4. Stakeholders’ contribution to peacebuilding
5. Factors sustained stability and peace in Somaliland
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the successful implementation of a bottom-up approach to peacebuilding and institution building in Somaliland, highlighting the unique internal dynamics that led to stability without external intervention. The study explores how indigenous traditional systems and local stakeholder involvement effectively replaced top-down conflict resolution models.
- The historical context of Somaliland's independence and conflict era.
- The critical role of traditional elders and customary law (Xeer) in conflict resolution.
- The influence of the business community and diaspora in supporting peace and state formation.
- The transition from struggle to stable governance through local, bottom-up peace initiatives.
Excerpt from the Book
Somaliland peacebuildings
Three big clan families, the Isaaq, Dir (Issa and Gadabursi) and Harti, inhabit Somaliland. During the Barre’s regime, Isaaq was against the regime and they were fighting for the restoration and re-bringing Somaliland sovereignty as a separate state from other Somali territories claiming that this territory, Somaliland, has different colonial history and political culture than that of southern Somalia. According (Aubank N, 2010:5)
The SNM decided to announce that it was not seceding, but returning to autonomy the region of Somalia that had been ruled by the British during colonial period. This region had been granted statehood for a period of four days during decolonization before agreeing to emerge with southern Somalia in 1960. The SNM argued that they were not seceding but rather nullifying the act of union that emerged the two countries in 1960. (Aubank N, 2010:5)
Whereas most of the other clan families were supported the Barre’s regime and were against Isaaq being opposite to Barre’s regime and their claims as well. Therefore, Barre’s regime benefited from these dissimilarities between the northern clans and they gave more support to both Gadabursi and Harti clans especially Dulbahante. Based on the northern clan differences, the regime nominated the Sool and Awdal as regions to counter balance Togdheer and Waqooyi Galbeed regions where Isaaq clan is highly populated.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of human conflict and the specific history of Somaliland, from British colonial rule to the resistance against the Siyad Barre regime.
2. Background to Somaliland peacebuilding: Defines the concepts of peace and peacebuilding while situating them within the specific post-1991 reconstruction efforts in Somaliland.
3. Somaliland peacebuildings: Details the inter-clan dynamics and the unique path to peace, focusing on reconciliation efforts following the collapse of the central government.
4. Stakeholders’ contribution to peacebuilding: Analyzes the roles of traditional elders, business communities, and the diaspora in stabilizing the region and funding reconciliation.
5. Factors sustained stability and peace in Somaliland: Outlines the key drivers of long-term stability, including democratic practices, constitutional adherence, and economic growth.
6. Conclusion: Synthesizes the argument that the bottom-up approach in Somaliland offers a superior alternative to international top-down interventions for achieving viable governance.
Keywords
Somaliland, Peacebuilding, Bottom-Up Approach, SNM, Conflict Resolution, Xeer, Traditional Elders, Guurti, Reconciliation, State Formation, Stability, Diaspora, Economic Growth, Governance, Indigenous Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The paper focuses on the success of the bottom-up peacebuilding approach in Somaliland, analyzing how local initiatives and indigenous structures fostered stability.
What are the central themes of the work?
Central themes include the role of clan elders, the contribution of the business sector, the significance of traditional customary law, and the transition to a peaceful, autonomous state.
What is the core research objective?
The main objective is to examine how the triumph of peace in Somaliland was achieved through local stakeholders and whether this bottom-up model is a viable strategy for peacebuilding.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study relies on historical analysis, qualitative documentation of case studies, and the synthesis of existing literature regarding Somali peace processes.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers the historical background, the specific roles of clans and business communities, the influence of traditional leadership like the Guurti, and the factors that have sustained peace since 1991.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Somaliland, Peacebuilding, Bottom-Up Approach, Reconciliation, Xeer, and Indigenous Solutions.
How does the "Guurti" function within Somaliland peacebuilding?
The Guurti serves as a gathering of senior elders responsible for governance, conflict resolution, and maintaining the social well-being of society.
Why does the author argue that the bottom-up approach is superior to international intervention?
The author argues that top-down international approaches have failed to provide viable governance in Somalia, whereas local, bottom-up methods address the actual needs of the community and foster genuine reconciliation.
- Quote paper
- Mustafe Osman (Author), 2014, A successful strategy in Somaliland peacebuilding, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/275629
