Peacebuilding in Somalia: The role of local elders (Case of Mogadishu)

Abstract

The study was about peacebuilding in Somalia: the role of local elders. It was conducted in Mogadishu. The main objective of this study was to understand the role of elders in peacebuilding in Somalia. The specific objectives of the study were to identify initiatives used by local elders in peace building in Somalia and to assess how local elder‟s initiatives can contribute to building peace in Somalia and also to examine challenges faced by elders in their efforts to build peace in Somalia. The study used problem solving theory and social capital theory. The methodology used was qualitative approach with purposive sampling and the selected respondents were 32 from Local elders, Police officers and Civilians. The data collection method used was semi structured interview. The study found that local elders play important role in peace- building in Somalia. The study also found that local elders use different initiatives of traditional mechanisms to build peace through mediation, negation and reconciliation initiatives. The study found that local elders use traditional customary law „‟Xeer‟‟ to build and deliver traditional justice within the communities. The study found out that communities favor resorting to local elders to solve their disputes rather than going to court. The study found that enforcement and abiding by the decisions reached through mediation, negotiation and arbitrating efforts led by local elders is not implemented and this become a challenge to peacebuilding. The study also found that challenge of resources hindered the efforts of elders in order to lead peacebuilding initiatives, and this could be a challenge to peacebuilding initiatives in the country. Finally the study recommended taking steps and actions in order to tackle challenges faced by local elders who are contributing to peacebuilding initiatives in the Country. The study recommended that Local Elders should focus societal reconciliation and resolving the root causes of the conflicts. The Somali government should mobilize and support financially and technically the local elders who are working peacebuilding initiatives in the country.