The Role of Sub-regional Organizations in Conflict Management: a Case Study of the Igad Peace Process in Somalia, 2002-2006

Abstract

The research is set to investigate the role of sub-regional organisations in conflict management. In its objectives, it soughts to identify the specific inputs that sub-regional organisations contribute to mediation of internal conflicts. The research also set to find out the constraints that face these organisations in carrying out the task of conflict management. The research further intended to make recommendations on the approaches to effective mediation by sub-regional organisations. The first chapter laid a background to the study and set clear objectives and hypotheses to guide the research. The second chapter made an overview on the role of sub-regional organisations in the management of conflicts in the globe. The third chapter examined IGAD as sub-regional organisation and its decision making structures in conflict intervention. The fourth chapter did a case study of the Somali Peace Process with a focus on the mediation process and the outcomes and the role IGAD played in the peace process. The fifth chapter carried out a critical analysis of the research findings in other chapters and synthesises the role of sub-regional organisations in the management of intra-state conflicts. The chapter further makes concluding remarks on the study and makes recommendations regarding IGAD and the management of the Somali conflict. The research comprehensively examined the role sub-regional organisations could play in the mediation process to end internal conflicts. It also makes recommendations based on the findings from the case study on the challenges that face the sub-regional organisations in peace processes. The research is recommended for reading by students of conflict management, scholars and government policy makers to understand how sub-regional organisations would be effectively utilised as vehicles for managing internal conflicts that are numerous and recurrent in Africa and elsewhere in the world.