Somali has experienced civil wars and conflicts since 1991. The recurrent fights and lack of security has a devastating impact on the Somalis, especially in the recent past, 2018. As a result, the level of internally displaced people has risen exponentially to an estimated figure of 2.7 million. An Islamic armed group known as Alshabab has dominated Somali land. The group subjects the people to harsh living conditions and forces recruitment on underage boys that carry out attacks in the civilians. In 2018, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) stated that the casualties of Al-Shabab in by October were 982. The intra-security and inter-clan force violence and sporadic military operations against the Somali government, AU, and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) resulted in injuries, deaths, and further displacement of civilians.
The regional and federal government clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the justice sector and security personnel. Political disagreements have resulted in civil wars in Somali. For instance, the tensions between Mohamed Osman Jawari, the speaker of the national assembly and executive in 2018, brought a standstill in the nation and resulted in his resignation. Due to the disagreements, the government has not yet listed nominees’ names for the country’s independent Human Rights Commission. It has not also made any progress to end the refugees’ progressive evictions or abusive security forces.
Past Studies
According to the recent report by Human Rights Watch, authored by ABDIWAHAB (2018), there is a rise in the number of internally displaced people in Somalia in the last one decade. His report estimates that around 2.7 million internally displaced people are at a higher risk of abuse by 2018. He outlines some of these abuses that could lead to further conflicts include Al-Shabab, sexual violence, abuse by the government, lack of freedom of expression and abuse against children as they are recruited by Al-Shabab at a young age against their will. This report is detailed with the provision of statics about the effects or impact that conflict has on the civilians.
‘The African Union’s Role in Peacekeeping’ by Badmus et al. (2013) identifies the role of African Union in peace consolidation and conflict management in Somalia. The research investigates peace keeping by AU during the post-cold war. It analyzes peace operation with the aim of helping other nations to better understand what other nations can learn from Somalia to build on peace resolutions. The African Union developed a mission through African Union Peace and Security Council in 2007 in Somali (AMISOM) to support reconciliation and dialogue in Somali in union with all stakeholders.
Hassan (2017) investigates the efficiency of IGAD to promote regional diplomacy in Somalia. His report indicates that impact of IGAD as it was one of the first international organizations in Somalia and has made thirteen attempts of peace restorations but succeeded to sign a peace agreement. The report indicates that IGAD persistently used the Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN) in Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution (CPMR).
A report by the United Nations on Somalia-UNOSOM 1 Background, UN involved six of its organizations in coordinating humanitarian efforts in Somali. These organizations include; the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF and WFP. Other non-government organizations have also worked in Somali as implementing partners working with the United Nations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also provided assistance to the civilians under difficult situations. Local NGOs also work with the United Nations as well as International organizations.
Makhubela (2010) offers recommendations to the international peace-keeping organizations involved in Somalia. He strongly suggests a rigid boundary between the between peace-making process and the state building. He also suggests the inclusion of clan elders into resolution process and identification of clan systems. Makhubela urges that the peace-keeping agencies should use the clan structures to bring the civilians together.