Among political leaders, disputes surrounding the nature of the Somali state, in particular on the functioning of federalism and the role of clans, sometimes lead to violence and often make day-to-day governance extremely challenging. As Somali people contend with internally and externally driven violence, they also endure underdevelopment, unemployment, and pervasive gender-based violence. All of these dynamics make for a very fragile political environment where violent conflict remains all too evident – not just with non-state armed groups, but also between clans, between governing entities, and even within the armed forces. Somali political systems are in great need for accommodating mechanisms to manage normal disagreement and prevent conflict from becoming violent.

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Our work in this area has included bringing high-level representatives of federal member states and the central government together to discuss and clarify their roles and relationship. Shuttle mediation between Somaliland and Puntland at the height of their fighting helped to reduce tension and open space for negotiations. We have supported efforts by business leaders to successfully deescalate conflict in the central city of Galkayo. CDI provides impartial technical input in the forms of new research and shuttle mediation when parties cannot meet, for example in support of the dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland.

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At the community level, we support District Peace Committees, groups of 15 to 20 community members, including youth, elders, women, internally-displaced people, and religious leaders, who work to mediate local conflicts. The committees successfully resolve disputes over issues such as inheritance, water and pastoral conflicts, and gender-based violence.