Evaluating Peace Making Processes, the Case of Igad in Somalia Conflict

Abstract

This study evaluates the extent to which IGAD policies, strategies and implementation practices have since supported peace processes in Somalia. The study contributes to the ongoing discussion on conflict and conflict resolution in Somalia by analyzing the impact of IGAD’s peace building initiatives in the Somali conflict and recommends ways of enhancing sustainable long term peace in Somalia. The main objective of the study was to determine the extent to which IGAD has contributed to peace building activities in Somalia; the specific objectives were to examine the challenges faced by IGAD in its approach to peace building in Somalia and to recommend ways of enhancing sustainable long term peace building mechanisms in Somalia. The central question of this study was to what extent has the activities of IGAD promoted peace and stability in Somalia. The study assumed that IGAD’s role in Somalia has not enhanced Peace building in Somalia hence the instability in Somalia is still a threat to regional stability and international peace. Therefore, new approaches are required towards peace building in Somalia. Theoretical perspective that guided the study is the problem solving approach which argues that conflict is part of human experience and attempts to find ways to minimize the impact of conflict. The data for the study was collected through interviews. The interviews included: questionnaires for the diplomats and officials from Intergovernmental Authority on Development and focused group discussion with Somali analysts and community elders. Secondary data was obtained from both published and unpublished literature. The study found out that IGADs contribution to the Somali peace process is affected by rivalry among states, lack of enough resources, member states national interests as well as weak secretariat of IGAD. The study therefore recommends that unilateral third party intervention cannot build peace alone and that the primary responsibility for peace building in Somalia lies with the Somali people to be given the lead role and approaches that nurture inclusion and participation among Somali identities be the guiding factor in finding a lasting solution to the Somali Conflict. This is in addition to strengthening the institutions of IGAD so as to have enough capacity to enforce IGADs decisions, also IGAD should look for alternative sources of funding so that its activities can be implemented without delays.