Sub-regional conflict management in Africa: a critical analysis of the IGAD Peace Process for Somalia, 2002-2004

This study examined the nature and dynamics of the Somali Peace Process. It was guided by the following objectives: One, to find out the type of government that is suitable for Somalia at the end of the Peace Process; two, to analyze the achievements of the Somalia National Reconciliation conference and; third, to analyze the challenges facing post-conflict Somalia.

The study was guided by a straight forward methodology, which had to do with the examination of available literature on the subject of study, and subsequently to make scientific inferences and conclusions on the same. The study also sought to trace the Somalia Problem from the roots to more contemporary issues.

It was clear from the findings of the study that the Somalia Peace Process has been taken on strongly through sub-regional conflict management under the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which steered the process towards major breakthroughs as far as ensuring peace in war-torn Somalia is concerned. The IGAD- driven Somali Peace Process was able to bring the parties to the conflict together in a Conference hosted in Kenya; subsequently leading to the formation of a Transitional Federal Government, which has since settled in Somalia.

Nevertheless, this did not come without challenges. The fact that a number of important actors particularly Somaliland, refused to join the talks has become a “thorn in the flesh” for the new political dispensation. Furthermore, challenges posed by post-conflict reconstruction and peace building are overwhelming. Most of Somalia remains lawless and this is a stumbling block for the reconstruction process. It was therefore recommended that both Somalis and the international community take up the responsibility of enforcing the newly found peace in Somalia, as there is no alternative for the war weary people of Somalia.