Building Peace and Governance: Analyzing Somaliland's Initiatives for Social Cohesion and Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24203/fg08e170Keywords:
Peacebuilding, Governance, Social Cohesion, Post Conflict Recovery Sustainable DevelopmentAbstract
Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland’s peace initiatives have promoted governance, social cohesion, and development. This study examines strategies, including reconciliation processes, inclusive decision-making, and the integration of traditional and modern governance. The research draws upon works by Omaar (2004), Ridout (2012), Mohamed (2024), Fernández Garcia (2017), Richards (2016), Hersi (2018), and Ingiriis (2021) to analyze Somaliland's peacebuilding approach. Recognizing the role of the clan system in social organization has been crucial to Somaliland's success. By incorporating traditional leadership into modern governance, Somaliland has built resilient social structures that emphasize dialogue and community participation. The 1993 Grand National Reconciliation Conference established power-sharing agreements and decentralized governance to address historical grievances. Somaliland's focus on civic engagement, including women, youth, and marginalized groups, has strengthened social cohesion beyond clan affiliations. The 2001 Constitution and regular elections have institutionalized accountability. However, Somaliland faces challenges from regional security threats and internal clan divisions. Despite these obstacles, Somaliland has demonstrated effective post-conflict reconstruction through community-driven initiatives and inclusive governance. These experiences offer lessons for regions that face similar challenges in achieving sustainable peace.
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