Conflict Resolution and Nation-Building in Somalia

A B S T R A C T ABDI, MOHAMED A: BA WHITTIER COLLEGE, 1966 MPA SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, 1969 MPH FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, 1996 CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND NATION-BUILDING IN SOMALIA Publication Scheduled for January 2012 The research concentrated on the current as well as the past quagmire of the Somali conflict. Political, social and economic triggers have been identified to resolve or reduce violent conflict and disorder. The research used primary as well as secondary sources to study the issues and explore the problems inherent in an environment of scarce resources. Confrontations between the state and society were brought to a higher level of violence since the late 1970s following the Somali-Ethiopian war. The author explored avenues for reconciliation and nation-building and introduced several models as possible strategies for nation-building. Conclusively, a home-grown, traditional mechanisms model was recommended which entails the following policy prescriptions to achieve long-lasting peace and security for Somalia: 1. Governance structures of law and order. 2. Resources: De-escalating conflicts by opening up negotiating opportunities of land and property. 3. Complete demilitarization of society. 4. International cooperation. A plan by the international community to reconstruct and rehabilitate Somalia is essential if we have to avoid a relapse into a chaotic, violent situation in Somalia.