Local Reconciliation in Somalia – Factors that Enhance Durability and Success

There are many internationally supported efforts across Somalia being implemented to bring about reconciliation of local conflicts and disputes. These vary in approach and effectiveness and while some breakdown some, however, hold. Drawing on over 24 case studies, this research will seek to identify what factors have supported successful and durable local reconciliation. One particular facet of exploration is the role of peace enforcement. While reconciliation initiatives often focus on actions that build constructive relationships between conflicting groups, anecdotally, examples such as the successful Galkayo reconciliation experience since 2017 suggest that peace enforcement may be an important factor in durability. In this regard, the research sought to better understand whether and how peace enforcement plays an important role within local reconciliation, and what this subsequently means for reconciliation programming.

Key findings indicate that;

• Peace enforcement is an essential component of successful reconciliation.
• Women and youth play a valuable role in the socialisation of peace agreements which help build awareness, acceptance and compliance.
• Broader reconciliation activities, including social and cultural activities and joint community development projects, appear to have a positive impact on the effectiveness and durability of reconciliation initiatives, especially when combined with effective enforcement mechanisms.

The paper’s findings suggest an important need to enhance coordination between policing and security programming with reconciliation initiatives to strengthen their effectiveness.

This paper forms part of the Funds wider research into reconciliation and long-term conflict transformation on some of Somalia’s most challenging and entrenched issues, such as Assessing the scope and parameters for transitional justice in Somalia; and Land Conflict in Somalia – A Review of the Literature and Gap Analysis.