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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Somali Conflict: Root Causes, Obstacles, and Peace-Building Strategies
Author:Elmi, Afyare AbdiISNI
Year:2006
Periodical:African Security Review
Volume:15
Issue:1
Pages:32-54
Language:English
Geographic term:Somalia
Subjects:civil wars
peacebuilding
Politics and Government
History and Exploration
Ethnic and Race Relations
Inter-African Relations
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10246029.2006.9627386
Abstract:Unlike many African populations, the majority of the Somali are part of a single, homogeneous ethnic group. All Somali are Muslim and share the same language and culture. Nevertheless, one of the most terrible civil wars in Africa has been waged in the country for more than two decades. Somalia has been without a functioning central government since the late dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991. The essay examines the root causes of the Somali conflict and analyses some of the obstacles that have plagued peace efforts for fourteen years. The authors argue that the competition for resources and power, repression by the military regime and the colonial legacy are the background causes of the conflict. Politicized clan identity, the availability of weapons and the presence of a large number of unemployed youth have exacerbated the problem. With regard to the obstacles to peace, the authors contend that Ethiopia's hostile policy, the absence of a major power interest, lack of resources and the warlords' lack of interest in peace are the major factors that continue to haunt the Somali peace process. Finally, they propose ambitious peacebuilding strategies that address the key areas of security, political governance, economic development and justice in order to build a durable peace in Somalia. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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