Conflict Resolution and Nation-Building in Somalia

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