Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment in Somalia: Opportunities for Empowerment of Ethnic Minorities

Abstract

Peace and conflict impact assessment (PCIA) has gained popularity within contexts that experience instability and armed conflict. This paper examines the Somali context, notably where attempts have been made by international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and United Nations (UN) agencies to apply PCIA in facilitating sustainable development. Exploring the linkage between sustainable development and peace, this discussion examines the plight of minority ethnic groups in Somalia, the related power dynamics within the local socio-political environment, and how this effects wider trends of participation in development. The article argues that with improved application PCIA can be an effective tool for empowering the marginalised and creating opportunities for them to define their own paths towards peace and sustainable development.

Keywords::

• emancipation
• empowerment
• participation
• marginalisation
• sustainable development
• conflict
• peace

Notes

¹ As used in this article, ‘peace’ refers to a state of contentment dominated by strong relations between individuals and groups, in which grievances are negotiated non-violently and resources shared equitably so that individuals and groups have equal opportunities for advancement based on their own level of knowledge, effort, skill and judgement.

² A total of three focus group discussions were held in Borama, Dollow and Bossaso. A total of 12 key informants were interviewed, distributed evenly in the three areas.

³ ‘Emancipation’ is herein understood to be the process through which people (as individuals and groups) are set free from constraints that prevent them exercising their inalienable rights to determine their destiny.

⁴ Key informant in Somalia.

⁵ Focus group discussion in Dollow Gedo region, Somalia.

⁶ Traditional system of governance and dispute resolution through a council of elders, based in customary law and Islamic sharia law.

⁷ Key informants in Bossaso. The same situation of ethnic minorities also featured in focus group discussions in Bossaso and Dollow.

⁸ Still in its nascent stage, this forum serves as an opportunity for experience-sharing about PCIA that informs adoption of relevant programme implementation strategies in Somalia.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Edwin Barasa-Mang'eni

EDWIN BARASA-MANG'ENI is a PCIA practitioner with experience in peace, conflict and development in the Horn of Africa. His areas of interest include conflict-sensitive approaches to development, conflict and pastoral livelihood, armed violence reduction, advocacy against illicit small arms and light weapons, youth and electoral violence, and conflict early warning and early response. He is currently engaged as a conflict advisor in Somalia.