Clan Warlords as a Challenge in Search of a Sustainable Solution to the Political Crisis in Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract

With the collapse of Siad Barre's government in 1991, Somalia, and more specifically,Mogadishu has been characterized by civil wars. These wars are primarily clan based and, as aresult, clan ism has emerged as the single most important factor in determining the political andthe general wellbeing of the Somalis. Despite several attempts to find a lasting solution to the raging war in Somalia not much has been achieved. Specifically, not much is known about the' role that clan ism plays in fuelling the civil war and the resultant lawlessness. The main objective of this study was to investigate the nature of clanism and the challenges it possess towards the peace process in Mogadishu. The study was informed by the theory of conflict dynamics in divided society which postulates that inequality in political and economic power between different groups as well as the existence of incompatible ideological convictions generates conditions for polarization and violence. The study comprised of field work done in Mogadishu between March and September, 2009 where relevant data was gathered from different sources and adopted purposive sampling technique. Data collection tools included interview, questionnaire, as well as focus individual and group discussions were used in order to get relevant information from the field. The study findings have shown that clan ism contrives to be cancerous and will continue to be so. Inter- clan rivalry and warfare is indeed dictated by clan goals that have to do with political power, land, and the state of the economy as well as other social issues. At the heart of all this is, therefore, the need for Somalis to align themselves along their clans. The study argues that clanism, therefore, emerges as the only viable political option hence the escalation of the war in Mogadishu. The study further gives clear and basic information to the reader about the Somali conflict, which based on clan goals of dimensions. Its revealed that clanisrn has played a significant role in the Somali crisis and the current scenario the country is in. The study found out that the entire peace initiatives, which have been conducted, were based on 4.5 formulae and none has been successful.