Peacebuilding Initiative And Policy Options For International Alert In SomaliaBy Said M Gelle
February
the 2nd of 2016
1.
International Alert – brief background and mission
International Alert (IA) is a UK
based independent peace and security building organisation that was founded in
1986. The IA has been working for over
20 years in more than 20 countries and territories all over the world to
strengthen and promote the foundations for lasting peace and security in
communities affected by violent conflicts as well as the governments, and other
international bodies that work for sustainability of peace and security around
the world. 
The
general aims and objectives of International Alert are to achieve the three
missions: first, to work directly with community or country affected by
conflict by supporting them in seeking lasting solution to peace in the region.
Secondly, shape international practice and policy that peace building. Finally,
strengthen the expertise and public profile of peace-building sector.
International
Alert is in a relative position in relation to the Somalia national
reconciliation and peace building efforts since its programs deals with the
issues faced in the long- time running armed conflicts. Such issues include aid
ineffectiveness, climate change, gender and sexual violence, kidnappings, and
discrimination, peace and economy, security and training.
2. Brief history of Somalia
Somalia
is a semi-arid least developed country (LDC)
located in the Horn of Africa lacking mineral resources. The Somalis
have been subjected to harsh and difficult conditions inflicted by fellow
Somalis under military and democratic regimes. After the independence, the
democratic regime (1960-1969) failed to meet the expectations of Somalis
leading to insecurity, poverty, corruption, and nepotism in state institutions.
The democratic regime of president, Abdirahid Ali Sharmarke, was overthrown by
military in October 1969 led by General Mohamed Siad Barre that made the
situation to be even worse. The military leaders were under-educated and too
corrupt to run state institutions of the country. However, Siad Barre’s
obsession with power and control of state institutions to the benefit of his
clan made it clear to the rest of other clans to realize that he was not fit to
be a national leader. Furthermore, corruption and insecurity became a norm of
the day under Barre military regime.
The
opposition took the advantage of Somali engaging in war with Ethiopia between
1977 and1978 as an opportunity to oust Barre regime. The attempted coup failed
and in turn Barre regime used excessive force on the perceived members of
Majerteen clan believed to be behind the coup. Other clans like Isaaq, Mirifle
Ogaden, Digil and Hawiye joined Majerteen clan in waging war against the
military regime. The above event became the genesis of the civil war in Somalia
for the last 25 years.
After
the central government of Somalia under Barre's regime fell in 1990, the
phenomenon of warlord began. The rebels who deposed Siad Barre in 1991
struggled for power pitying Ali Mahdi Muhammad (president of the transitional
government) against his fellow clansman (Hawiye), General Mohammad Farrah Aideed
(the USC's chairman). The four months conflict between the two leaders led to
the destruction of downtown landmarks in Mogadishu, killing and displacing of
residents. The United Somali Congress rebel movement caused unfortunate
violence and chaos. Since then, Somalia has been ruled by lawlessness where
militia groups of stronger clans control political power and resources of
various regions in Somalia. Several ways to form a government in Somalia since
1991 have been hampered by warlords quitting peace accords (Bush & Duggan,
2013, pp.13-18).
Following
the brutal conflict between Ali Mahdi Muhammad and General Mohammad Farrah
Aideed, the United Nations intervened to oust Farrah Aideed in 1991 led by the
US in "the Operation Restore Hope." The operation was intended to
save the starving Somali women and children and provide humanitarian aid. The
General Mohammad Farrah Aideed mobilized the different warring Hawiye sub-clans
to fight a common enemy, the UN peacekeeping forces. It was the period that the
clans united and realized that they are Somalis and recognized Farrah Aideed to
be their hero. The clash between the UN peacekeeping forces and Gen Aideed's
Militia in Mogadishu was a big blow to the international community effort to
supply aid. 18 US soldiers and many Somali civilians lost their lives when
General Aideed militia brought down Black Hawk Down and used civilians as a
human shield respectively.
The
heads of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) countries
initiated to set up a transitional federal government (TFG) at the Somali
National Reconciliation Conference in Nairobi Kenya. The newly formed TFG
continued to remain several months in Nairobi due to security concerns caused
by Hawiye clan warlords in the Somali’s capital Mogadishu. The Hawiye clan
warlords and same members of the parliament were not happy with the formation
of TFG cabinet and blamed the president of plotting war against them while also
pointing fingers members of his ministers as supporters of Ethiopia. Thus, they
regrouped themselves in Mogadishu and refused to work with the new
administration that was still in exile in Nairobi.In 2005, the TFG relocated
its base in Baidoa while Somali parliament convened in 2006 for the first in
the a Somalia.
The
Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) established clan-based Islamic courts in June
2006 after fighting and defeating the Mogadishu's warlords backed by armed
militias. For the first time since 1991, peace was restored in capital of
Somalia, airport and port reopened especially in Mogadishu that the TFG could
not give. The locals were contented with actions of UIC despite the group being
too radical for most Somalis. For example, it banned watching of foreign soccer
on TV. The actions of UIC led to falling of warring factions and weakening of
the government. The president had to call for support of the international
community to weed out UIC. The international community claimed that UIC was a
terrorist outfit due to its radicalization of Somalia youths.
3.
War against terrorism
The
lawlessness of Somalia led to Al-Shabab group form and declare their allegiance
to Al-Qaeda (a global Islamist terrorist group). Al-Shabab started to carry out
their training and hiding in the country. Since this organisation came to
exist, Somalia has been harbouring terrorist groups that have been causing
havoc both in Somalia and neighbouring countries like Kenya and Uganda King,
E., & (Matthews, 2011, p.275).
Al
Shabab has been carrying out terrorism activities in neighbouring countries.
For example, it set up grenades in Kampala, Uganda that killed football fans
watching the 2010 world cup. In 2012, it kidnapped tourists at the Kenyan coast
bordering Somalia. In September, 2013
Al-Shabaab killed 72 people in Westgate a popular Kenyan shopping centre in
Nairobi. The above incidences hindered arrival of tourists in Kenya, which is
among the backbones of the Kenya’s economy. The Kenyan government took a direct
intervention in conjunction with Ethiopia, Uganda, and Burundi to hunt down Al
Shabab terrorists in southern Somalia. The action of Kenyan government
demonstrated that Al-Shabaab to launch
attacks in Kenyan cities last few months.
The
African Union decided to intervene to address the challenge of terrorism in
Somalia by sending AMISOM mission to combine efforts with the Kenyan, Ugandan,
Ethiopian and Burundian forces to weed out Al Shabab terrorists in Somalia. The
approach is praised since it is as an "African solution to an African
problem." Currently, AMISOM troops are in Somalia although they are not
effective in their operations since the situation on the ground is still
unstable. The Al-Shabaab crisis is complex since the AMISOM troops, just like
UNITAF and UNOSOM forces have faced armed confrontation with local groups. The
intervention of the African Union has spurred the renewal efforts by the
international community. The international community calls the UN Security
Council Resolution to extend the presence of AMISOM troops in Somalia and
increase of troops.
The
International Alert can help to fight terrorism through funding the AMISOM
troops under the hospice of African Union. The AMISOM mission lacks funds to
maintain the upkeep of troops in Somalia. The International Alert should
partner with European Union to fund the AMISOM mission.
3.
Piracy off the coast of Somalia
The
long-time absence of functioning government in Somalia pave the way the
establishment of Pirate groups at the coast of Somalia which last became a
major threat to international shipping in the coast of East Africa. The ravaging civil war and worst droughts in
the last 25 years exacerbated the situation of millions of Somalis and led them
to flee in the neighbouring countries while the rest became internally
displaced. These above endless chaos
phenomena resulted piracy since the militia groups saw it as an opportunity to
recruit youngsters and purchase weapons. Majority of Somali youngsters are
unemployed and lack source of income. They decided to engage in kidnapping and
piracy along the Somalia coast. The pirates are disowned and secluded by their
clans in Somalia since their activities are considered immoral due to their
engagement in prostitution and drug abuse. In Somali culture and society, it is
unforgivable for someone to engage in the above acts. The outcast pirates hang
with gangs and militia groups to cause insecurity especially in southern
Somalia. Also, the general insecurity in the country is contributed by severe
cycles of flooding and drought food shortages (Menkhaus, 2013, pp.56-67).
The
shipment of food and aid by international donors is made difficult by the
pirates off the Somali coast. The international community has tried to defend
their ships from piracy along the commercial routes. For example, they deployed
the EUNAVFOR Atalanta (the EU missions), the new Regional Maritime Capacity
Building operation (RMCB) and the NATO to counter-piracy operations along the
Gulf of Aden. The above intervention yielded no change so far.
The
International Alert can help eradicate piracy and kidnapping through empowering
Somali youths with alternative remunerative activities. One of the viable
solutions the International Alert can provide eradicate piracy is through
initiating development projects that can generate an alternative source of
income and personal security since they are the causes. The international
community failed to realize the cause of piracy.
The
International Alert will be faced by the following current developments that
raise issues and problems which have been obstacles to peace development in
Somalia. First, Somalia lacks resources to cater for her citizens. The
International Alert should address the cause of conflict (scarce access to
resources and widespread poverty) which addresses not only just central
authorities but also local realities. Peace hinges on economic development,
human rights reforms and good governance and infrastructure. Secondly, the
international community does not support peace progress in Somali as they are
not safeguarding the fulfilment of the accords signed by the warring parties.
Finally, the warlords are determined to maintain status quo in Somali to their
own benefit.
The
International Alert has to provide a viable solution on how the different clans
can share the limited resources. Based on past and present conflicts in Somali,
most persistent and determinant factor is aggressive competition for power and
resources. The different clans and militia groups want to control key ports and
airports, city like Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa, banknotes, regions rich in
natural resources and important checkpoints.
The
contributing causes to the conflict include the following: First, availability
of weapons from some foreign countries such Ethiopia and Yemen who regularly
send military equipments and other means of supports to the groups fighting in
the country including the current Federal government of Somali led by President
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud whose government have not strong military institutions
that can manage and control these military supplies.
Secondly,
unemployed youths were easily manipulated by elites driven by greed to join
militia groups that create conflict. Also, Somali culture promotes use of force
as a means of settling scores, thus contributing to civil war (Omeje &
Hepner, 2013, pp.45-56).
Finally,
the misuse of clan identity- the opposition rebel groups misuse clan identity
in Somali to cause civil war. The leaders of USC emphasized grievances faced by
the Hawiye clan to convince them to fight the state while the SNM leaders the
Isaq clan. The Somali Democratic Movement (SDM) organized the Mirifle and Digil
clans. During the General Mohamed Siad Barre tenure, he relied on Mareehan
sub-clan of Darod clan. The opposition (SSDF) leaders relied on the Majerteen
sub-clan also from the Darod clan. The Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM) relied
on Ogaden sub-clan also of the Darod clans.
The
allegiance to rebel groups from shifted from clans to sub clans after the civil
war. Despite General Mohamed Farah Aideed and Ali Mahdi Mohamed belonging to
the Hiraab sub-clan, their supports identified themselves based on whether they
are the Muddullod or the Habargidir sub-clans. It shows that the warlords
misuse clan identity as an instrument to mobilize their forces.
4.
Major international actors in Somalia
The major international actors working in Somalia include
the European Commission Strategy for the Implementation of Special Aid to
Somalia (SISAS) under European Union, the IGAD Support Mission to Somalia
(IGASOM) . United Nations Political Office in Somalia (UNIPOS), the AMISOM
mission under the African Union (AU). And money more international and local
nongovernmental organisations.
The
main objectives of SISAS are poverty alleviation and promotion of a more
democratic, equitable and peaceful society. SISAS pumped millions of euros in
its Rehabilitation Programme in December 2003. More funding was allocated for
Somalis in subsequent years. The SISAS used the funds for Rehabilitation
programme that emphasized onto peace building, good governance, food security,
rural development, support of private sector and social services like
education, water, and health.
The EU
has been the biggest donor to Somalia peace building. It provided financial
support in 2002 and 2004 for Somali peace conferences and emergency assistance
that led to the formation of TFG. In 2006, Transitional Federal Government
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner in promoting peace
building, democracy, security and poverty eradication. About 10 million euros
were granted by the EU in August 2007 under the SISAS in humanitarian aid to
finance projects like safe drinking water, food security, and health.
The
United Nations established the United Nation Nations Office for Somalia (UNPOS)
on the 15 the April 1995 in order to help advance peace and reconciliation in
Somalia. UNPOS plays a key role in leading political peace-building activities
and updates the current issues in the country to the UN Secretary General Ban
Ki Moon. UNPOS has supported various initiatives aimed at promoting peace and
national reconciliation through dialogue between Somali parties.
The
AMISOM was deployed by African Union to: support TFIs in stabilizing Somalia
through dialogue and reconciliation. Facilitate Somalis to be provided with
humanitarian aid. Create conducive conditions in Somalia for long-term
development, stabilisation, and reconstruction.
5.
Recommendations
The
International Alert should initiate projects and programs that sensitize on the
dangers of female genital mutilation on the health of females since it is
practised in Somali culture. Moreover, women are discriminated in the political
arena. It should advocate for gender issues to attain peace in Somalia through
lobbying international, regional, and national policymakers.
Secondly,
it should engage in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Security Sector Reform
(SSR), Community Security, Disarmament and Demobilization, and Reintegration
(DDR) programs to bring security. The Somali militias cannot be integrated
since they live within their clans.
In
addition, it should train individual organisations and practitioners on peace
building activities since most of militia groups who attend a peace conference
do not know how to negotiate. Finally, it should focus on topics like good governance,
supporting women's organisations, social inclusion, and support of business,
civil society, and development organizations. Also, it should promote emerging
democratic practices, human security efforts (van Tongeren, 2013, pp.39-43).
References
1.
Bush,
K., & Duggan, C. 2013. Evaluation in Conflict Zones: Methodological and
Ethical Challenges. Journal of Peacebuilding & Development,
8(2), 5-25.
2.
King,
E., & Matthews, R. O. 2011. New Agenda for Peace: 20 Years Later, A. Int'l J., 67, 275.
3.
Menkhaus,
K. 2013. Somalia: State collapse and the
threat of terrorism (No. 364). Routledge.
4.
Omeje,
K., & Hepner, T. R. (Eds.). 2013. Conflict
and Peacebuilding in the African Great Lakes Region. Indiana University
Press.
5.
van
Tongeren, P. 2013. Potential cornerstone of infrastructures for peace? How
local peace committees can make a difference. Peacebuilding, 1(1), 39-60.
Websites
By Said M Gelle
saacidiin@hotmail.com
