The Case of Somalia in Discussing the Role of Diaspora Communities in Conflict Resolution
Assma Jihad Awkal, MA in Migration Studies and Graduate Researcher, Lebanese American University
Duaa Nooreddine, MA in Migration Studies Student, Lebanese American University and Research Fellow at the Institute of Migration Studies
The diaspora communities play a crucial role in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction efforts in their countries of origin (Toivanen & Baher), as they have emerged as vital actors in the conflict resolution processes, leveraging transnational networks, resources, and expertise to promote peace and reconciliation. In Somalia, the conflict’s extension over the past two decades has been arising in a constantly changing international context, in which it has evolved from a civil war in the 1980s through state collapse, clan factionalism and warlordism in the 1990s to reach a globalized ideological conflict in the first decade of the new millennium. Hundreds of thousands of Somali people have fled the country over the past thirty years due to the conflict that broke out in the 1990s, which led the Somali refugee crisis to be considered one of the most challenging world’s mass displacements.
The Somali diaspora has a worldwide spread, constituting one of the most significant and extensive migrant communities globally, with an immense impact on peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts in Somalia and abroad. Bradbury and Healy stated that in the absence of a government since 2001, the Somali people have employed their resources and traditions of conflict resolution to recreate security in many communities. Hammond et al. reported that the diaspora has been heavily involved in humanitarian relief in Somalia, where its influence represents a success story, which enables the Somali economy to continue thriving despite the absence of the State. Their contributions range from financial remittances and investments to humanitarian assistance, facilitating peace initiatives, fostering reconciliation processes, and utilizing their expertise to bolster local capacities and resilience in conflict-affected areas.
During the civil war, the Somali diaspora provided crucial funding and support, aligning with Somalia’s National Development Plans to enhance resilience and security (AFFORD). Despite facing challenges such as limited capacity and internal conflicts (Sinatti et al.), the diaspora has demonstrated resilience through grassroots initiatives like community dialogues promoting reconciliation and understanding, as evidenced by the International Alert and CISP initiative in Mogadishu.
Somali-led initiatives have achieved stability in some regions. For instance, the Global Somali Diaspora (GSD), founded in Istanbul in 2014, facilitates knowledge exchange, supports returnees, and aids reconciliation efforts. Similarly, Somali Sideway works to counter negative stereotypes about Somalia (Schmidjell et al). Additionally, digital diasporas, as highlighted by Brinkerhoff, influence views on identity and violence, playing a role in conflict prevention by addressing alienation and fostering understanding.
Diaspora investors have also contributed to climate resilience in Somalia, particularly in agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate hazards. The SomaliAgriFood Fund, launched by IFAD and Shuraako, supports agribusinesses like fishing, food processing, and livestock (Khoudour et al.)
The Somali diaspora’s success in peacebuilding offers valuable lessons for global conflict resolution efforts. Despite challenges, their initiatives show how resilience and resource mobilization can drive positive change. Taslakian et al. emphasize the need for further research to assess diaspora engagement and optimize their contributions to their countries of origin.
Financial Contributions from Diaspora Communities
The Somali diaspora is an essential source of financial support for Somalia, making substantial contributions to the country’s economy and livelihoods. Due to the emigration and large-scale displacements over the past decades, about 18 per cent of Somalia’s population (around 2 million) live abroad as part of the global diaspora. The central destination countries for Somali refugees and asylum seekers are Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, and a relative minority has also made it to the Gulf States, Western Europe, North America, Malaysia, and Australia.
Remittances from the diaspora play a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of individuals and families within Somalia. In addition, there has been an increased interest in the impact of international migration, and remittances have grown considerably, particularly as global remittances exceeded $689 billion in 2018. (World Bank)
Remittances to Somalia are estimated between $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion annually, making up 25-45% of the GDP and surpassing aid and foreign investment. Up to 40% of Somali households depend on remittances, underscoring their importance in supporting families (Oxfam). Remittances typically follow three spending phases: family maintenance, consumption, and productive activities, though they may not directly drive long-term economic growth (Majid et al.).Given Somalia’s challenges in attracting foreign investment, the diaspora’s role becomes even more critical, with their resources and networks contributing significantly to its development.
Intellectual and Skill-Based Contributions
Beyond financial remittances, the Somali diaspora contributes intellectual and skill-based support. Professionals, including doctors and academics, engage in peacebuilding and advocacy through platforms like the Somali Professionals Network, facilitating knowledge sharing (Majid et al.). The diaspora also promotes education, with initiatives like the Somali Scholarship Fund providing scholarships to students in conflict-affected areas. Additionally, programs like IOM’s Migration for Development in Africa empower local institutions through capacity-building efforts, highlighting the broader impact of the diaspora in Somalia’s long-term development.
Initiatives and Projects Funded by the Diaspora for Peacebuilding
The Somali diaspora plays a key role in peacebuilding by funding and implementing initiatives that address conflict challenges. Their contributions to infrastructure projects, such as schools and healthcare facilities, are exemplified by the “Rebuild Somalia” initiative (UNHCR). Diaspora-backed community programs like “Women for Peace” empower women in conflict zones through income-generating activities (IOM). Additionally, the diaspora promotes reconciliation through platforms like the “Somali Reconciliation Forum,” fostering dialogue between conflicting groups (UNHCR). These efforts highlight the diaspora’s broader impact on sustainable peace and development in Somalia.
The Somali diaspora plays a key role in shaping international perceptions and mobilizing support for peace and development. They engage with policymakers and international actors through informal diplomacy to raise awareness and promote peaceful resolutions. Public diplomacy, such as events and media campaigns, also highlights Somalia’s cultural heritage and development needs.
Diaspora organizations advocate for increased aid by lobbying governments and international bodies for humanitarian relief and development support. They use platforms like social media to raise awareness about Somalia’s challenges, urging international intervention in areas like human rights and conflict resolution. Collaborating with global organizations such as the UN and World Bank, diaspora members provide expertise and policy recommendations, influencing decisions that address Somalia’s complex challenges. Their advocacy and diplomacy efforts significantly contribute to Somalia’s path toward sustainable peace and development.
In conclusion, Somalia’s experience highlights the vital role of its diaspora in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Three key lessons emerge from this case: First, inclusivity is essential, as engaging diverse stakeholders leads to more sustainable outcomes. Second, bottom-up approaches are effective, with grassroots initiatives and diaspora support fostering social cohesion. Lastly, long-term, comprehensive peacebuilding is crucial, addressing the root causes of conflict like poverty and inequality through social, economic, and political reforms.