Conflict Transformation in the Horn of Africa Region

Abstract

The very instable situation and recurring conflicts in the Horn of Africa raises questions pertaining to the future of this region but also concerning the historical traditions of conflict resolution and transformation. The Horn of Africa (HoA) region especially Somalia has long been exposed to deteriorating situations of instability and recurring conflicts. This failing country and it is stressed communities is facing a latest risk of disappearing from the map of the free countries in the world not because of a climate change but because of insecurity and common violence in most of the parts of it is districts and areas. Historically the region was rich with traditional systems of conflict resolution and transformation however post colonization government systems have over ruled the traditions’ yet could not protect violence’s and conflict as the same system failed in Somalia, it is in this regard that peace and conflict studies are not only important for knowledge research but for advising on future stability in the country and saving lives and livelihoods of many citizens in Somalia and in the Horn of Africa region of which this research is contributing to. The purposes of this study is: To discover the contribution and consideration of the indigenous knowledge systems and local cultures in the process of peace building in the region with specific focus on Somalia. Identify ways of strengthening the current existing local systems for peace making and peace building Develop a proposed outline to improve and empower effective indigenous cultures and methods that may contribute in transforming conflicts. This research draws upon mostly primary sources including memories of elders, knowledge of expertise, published books and letters, as well as view of key educated and individual leaders but also includes Little Reviews. While the research informs about strengthens and weaknesses of local mechanisms of conflict transformation (i-e Cultural Heritage) it presents a model of indigenous knowledge system that has developed itself with a bottom up approach, and has led people in the Northern area of Somalia (Somali Land) to a positive peace and sustainable cohesion among themselves, it studied the history of conflicts and wars in the region, touches it is implications, reviewed both local and international actors and presents the Guurti model as a practical local self-governing solution for people living in the same region whom are clan based and or interrelated in their community structures.