Participation of Selected Ngo’s in Conflict Resolution in Mogadish U-Somalia

ABSTRACT This thesis is entitled “Participation of Selected NGOs in Conflict Resolution in Mogadishu, Somalia”. The study had seven objectives; determination of respondents profile; determination of level of NGO participation in conflict resolution; establishing current extent of NGO participation in conflict resolution; extent determination of challenges faced by NGOs in resolving conflict; determination of opportunities available to NGOs in resolving conflict: determination of actions that could assist NGOs in resolving conflict; and examination of the significance mean between variables and determine the significance relationship between NGO resources and services and peace building. The study was descriptive and was correlated using quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the correlation between dependent and independent variables. The target population was NGO employees working in Mogadishu, Somalia. The respondents were selected purposively using simple random selection. The Sloven’s formula was used for computing the minimum sample size of 104 out of a target population of 140. Data was presented, analyzed and interpreted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Pearson correlation analysis. The results indicated that NGO participation in conflict resolution was relative in the area of study. The study further revealed that NGOs are faced with many challenges in pursuing peace building activities in Mogadishu. These range from insecurity which results to lack of access, logistics/infrastructure, mistrust and adequate resources and institutions needed to foster peace in Mogadishu. For the sustainability of peace in Somalia, NGOs have to built strategies to increase the capacity of civil society organizations, including women’s groups, elders, youth and students. Findings further revealed that NGOs have some windows of opportunity to build peace if they collaborate with communities, and become more neutral and impartial in discharging their duties of conflict resolution. More resources are required for advocacy and NGOs should employ more locals and stop being prescriptive in their program designs. Results also revealed that there was a significant relationship between NGO interventions and resources with conflict resolution. Researcher also deducted that if NGO5 should get more resources to channel at grassroots, where the pain is strongest, they can do more sustainable development that will end up weakening community dividers and strengthening the community connecters, conflict will be resolved and peace will prevail. Real success in conflict resolution means starting at the bottom, in the communities. NGOs will therefore work with the communities in ensuring real work of reconciliation is done. The possible recommendation as a result of this research paper is to have more resources channeled through non state actors such as NGOs, to do more peace building work at grassroots in Mogadishu and reduce the presence of state actors such as AMISOM and others. Success means fighting fire with water, not with more fire.