Clannism And Escalation Of Armed Conflicts In Somalia

ABSTRACT This study sought to investigate the extent to which clannism has contributed the escalation of armed conflicts in Somalia. The focused on three specific objectives aiming at investigating the existence of clannism in Somalia, finding out the role of clan based rebellion against Barre’s regime on escalating inter-clan and intra clan armed conflicts and examining the role of clan based politics and power sharing on

the failure of reconciliation efforts and escalation of further armed conflicts. The study adopted a descriptive and it achieved a response rate of 78.9% of the

targeted 133 respondents. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used in selection of the study sample. The data was processed

and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists software version IL The findings reveal clannism is highly existent in Somalia and is an integral part of society. It was established that the clan system is not the basis for conflicts rather; their deliberate manipulation creates and exacerbates divisions and conflicts. The study also established that Clan-based rebellion in Somalia fell apart after its success to overthrow the regime because of the clash of interests of the clans. However, the study r&uted the assertion that the clan based rebellion involved defining the ruling clans in general terms as enemies to be defeated and cleansed since some clans preferred to affiliate with such ruling clans. The study concludes

that the clan system is fully established in Somalia and without the manipulative tendencies of clan leaders with vested interests, the clan systems can deliver

peaceful ending to armed conflict in Somalia and ensure reconciliation amongst the warring conflicting clans. This study recommends that is need to change the attitudes of the clan leaders that they should give peace a chance to prevail in Somalia. Besides, integration of peace and reconciliation tenets in the Somali education system would sow seeds of peaceful resolution of armed conflicts amongst the Somali c!an systems. The study also recommends possible further

studies to be undertaken in areas like; whether the plurality of clans in Somalia presents the country with development opportunities vis a vis the challenges

posed by clannism; the role on international players in the escalation of armed conflict in Somalia among others.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

ONE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Introduction 1

Background of the Study 1

Problem Statement 3

Purpose of the Study 5

Research Objectives 5

Research Questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope of the study 6

Significance of the Study 6

TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Introduction 10

Theoretical Perspectives 10

Related studies 12

THREE METHODOLOGY 32

Introduction 32

Research Design 32

Research Population 32

Sample size 33

Samp~~Procedure 33

Research instruments 34

vi

Validfty and Reliability of the Research instrument 34

Data Gathering Procedures 35

Data analysis 35

Ethical Considerations 35

FOUR PRESENTATION, ANSLYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 37

Introduction 37

FIVE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 50

Introduction 50

Discussion of the findings 50

CONCLUSIONS 62

Recommendations 67

REFERENCES 70

APPENDICES 74

APPENDIX I: TRANSMITTAL LETTER 74

APPENDIX II 75

CLEARANCE FROM ETHICS COMMITTEE 75

APPENDIX III 76

INFORMED CONSENT 76

APPENDIX V: QUESTIONNAIRE 79

APPENDIX VI: INTERVIEW GUIDE 87

CURRICULUM VITAE 88

VII

LIST OF TABLES

Table

1: Selected Sample Size 33

2: Showing the response rate 37

3: showing gender response 38

4: showing age brackets of the respondents 39

5:showing marital status of respondents 40

6: showing the education status of the respondents 41

7: showing existence of clannism in Somalia 42

8 ShOwing results for the role of clan based rebellion against Barre’s regime on

escalating inter-clan and intra-clan armed conflicts in Somalia 45

9: showing results for the role of clan based politics and power sharing on the

failure of reconciliation efforts and escalation of further armed conflicts 47