The Somalia Conflict: implications for peacemaking and peacekeeping efforts
How should the international community respond to the Somali conflict?
Authors: S.A. Dersso
Publisher: Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, 2009
This paper analyses how the root causes, changing dynamics and nature of the Somali conflict impact upon ongoing efforts of the international community for peacemaking and peacekeeping. It identifies both the challenges that these attributes pose for peacemaking and peacekeeping and the approaches for addressing them. The authors also argue for a comprehensive approach to dealing with the various dimensions of the conflict, both internal and external, and underscores the need for a coordinated, sustained and robust international engagement.
Recommendations include:
Recommendations include:
- The Djibouti process should be expanded to involve Somali actors that are not currently party to the peace process
- Since negotiation is the only way of resolving the Somali conflict, al Shaabab forces should also agree to participate in the peace process
- In addition to the focus on reconciling or political settlement among factional leaders attention should also be directed at institution-building and the establishment of a national government, as part of the Djibouti peace efforts.
- In order to contain the insecurity of south central Somalia and establish the presence of the national unity government of President Sharif and the international community, including the UN, the new government should reach out to key actors in the region
- The international community should not only continue to engage in Somalia but ensure that its engagement is more robust and co-ordinated
- The nature of the conflict in Somalia requires a robust peacekeeping force. Currently, the size and military capability of the mission is inadequate to implement its mandate
- It is also important that the mission establishes a good relationship with local population, particularly religious leaders, clan elders and other civil society actors.
The authors conclude that if the Djibouti process is to move forward and address comprehensively all aspects of the conflict in Somalia, there is a need for a continued and more robust and positive international engagement in Somalia from all international actors, including the UN, the EU, and the Arab League.
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