Conflict resolution in Somalia : learning from failed mediation processes

Abstract

This study of the Somali conflict resolution process is based on the available body of knowledge about the nature of the conflict and diplomatic initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It provides a brief analysis of the nature and scope of the conflict with a particular focus on key features of the conflict and on the actors and issues driving the conflict since the fall of General Mohammed Siad Barre’s military regime in 1991 and the subsequent collapse of the Somali state. The study concludes that although the nature of the conflict is acute and exceedingly complex, it is not impossible to resolve. In this regard a number of recommendations are provided in the concluding chapter. The paradox of the Somali conflict resolution processes is the consistent focus on state-building approach by mediation processes despite the failure rate of such an approach. The study argues that the mediation processes should focus on a peace-making approach to the Somali conflict resolution process. State-building should only be considered an integral part of peace-building once the resolution phase has been accomplished. This means that the international community should adopt a long-term approach when mediating the intractable Somali conflict and that such an approach should comply with the basic principles of mediation, chief amongst which is the requirement of utiliting a neutral mediator. AFRIKAANS : Hierdie studie van die Somali konflikresolusieproses is gebasseer op die beskikbare korpus van literatuur oor die aard van die konflik en die diplomatieke inisiatiewe gefokus op die soeke na ‘n vreedsame oplossing daarvan. Dit verskaf ‘n ontleding van die aard en omvang van die konflik met spesifieke aandag aan die kerneienskappe van die konflik en die akteurs en vraagstukke onderliggend aan die konflik sedert die val van Generaal Mohammed Siad Barre se militêre regime in 1991 en die daaropvolgende ineenstorting van die Somali-staat. Die studie kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat alhoewel die aard van die konflik akuut en uiters kompleks is, dit nie onmoontlik is om ‘n oplossing te vind nie. In hierdie verband word ‘n aantal voorstelle in die slothoofstuk gemaak. Die paradoks van die Somali konflikresoulusieproses is die deurlopende fokus op ‘n staat-bou proses in bemiddelingsprosesse ten spyte van die bewese mislukking van so ‘n benadering. Die studie argumenteer dat die bemiddelingsproses op die bou van vrede behoort te konsentreer. Staat-bou behoort slegs as integrale deel van die bou van vrede beskou te word in die stadium wat die konflikresolusieproses afgehandel is. Dit beteken dat die internasionale gemeenskap ‘n langtermyn benadering moet volg in bemiddeling van die konflik en dat so ‘n bendering moet voldoen aan die basiese vereistes van bemiddeling waarvan die belangrikste die vereiste van ‘n neutrale bemiddelaar is.