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The Future of International Volunteering: Policy into Practice The view of partners and volunteers: examples of good practice in IVSO activity. Peace
initiatives and post-conflict reconstruction in Somaliland. The traditional
approach to peace & reconciliation Vs conventional conflict resolution
in Somalia/Somaliland. I will contrast the success of indigenous conflict resolution processes in Somaliland with the failure of colonial and centralised state solutions - from the division of the country among European powers to the dictatorship of Siad Barre, whose 'scientific socialism' had aimed to modernise 'this nation of nomads'. Instead it has plunged the country into civil war. The international community has tried and failed 15 times to establish peace and stability in the south through a national government in Mogadishu. Dr Adan will present that the failure was the result of a number of factors: the approach to negotiations has been top-down; the meetings were held outside Somalia; warlords with no legitimacy were included in the talks; too little time was allocated for meetings; agreements signed were full of ambiguities; and there was no consensus among the participants. By contrast, traditional conflict-resolution and peacebuilding techniques have brought relative peace and security to the Republic of Somaliland (NW Somalia), which seceded from Somalia in 1991. The traditional Somali process brings together clan elders as negotiators in the conflict; it is usually held in the conflict zone and therefore there is close contact with the parties in the conflict; negotiations do not follow fixed procedures or schedules; meetings are open - all members of the community are entitled to attend, and the agenda is open, encouraging wide-ranging discussion. Details of this case study are available by contacting Carol Ward on +44 116 257 6602 or email carol.ward@skillshare.org Click
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Future of International Volunteering: Policy into Practice |
