Peacebuilding & reconciliation

 Similarly, political disputes characterized by internal power wrangles and political contentions within incumbent administrations or between them and opposition politicians represent another critical challenge facing Puntland. Rooted in disagreements over constitutional interpretation, the separation of powers, and internal political dynamics, these disputes frequently manifest in the state’s major towns, where political actors vie for influence and control over governance processes, particularly during election and transition periods.

Additionally, conflicts between different administrative regions within Somalia, particularly between Puntland and its neighboring states of Galmudug and Somaliland, pose additional challenges to peace and cooperation at the regional level. Disputes over territorial boundaries, resource sharing, and administrative jurisdiction often fuel inter-state tensions and hinder efforts towards reconciliation and peaceful co-existence of communities and administrations.

 In response to these complex challenges, PDRC has developed a comprehensive array of strategies and support systems aimed at reconciliation and conflict prevention. Through the provision of logistical and facilitation support, PDRC plays a pivotal role in organizing and mediating peace talks between conflicting parties, ensuring that negotiations proceed smoothly and effectively. Working in close collaboration with local authorities and mandated peace mediation committees, PDRC facilitates the transportation and convening of delegates to neutral negotiation venues, overseen by impartial mediation committees composed of respected elders.

Moreover, PDRC is deeply committed to strengthening the capacity and institutional framework of local peace mediation structures. Recognizing the vital role of community-based peace committees comprised of religious and traditional leaders, PDRC provides extensive capacity-building, induction, and structural support to these committees. From mobilizing members and facilitating introductory meetings to providing ongoing documentation and secretariat assistance during and post-mediation conferences, PDRC ensures that local peace structures are empowered to effectively facilitate dialogue and reconciliation within their communities.

Central to PDRC’s approach is the engagement of broader constituencies and the dissemination of peace messages through innovative means. Leveraging mobile audio-visual facilities and technology, PDRC conducts large-scale awareness campaigns aimed at raising public awareness and fostering dialogue among conflict-effected communities. By utilizing inflatable screens, public speakers, and projectors to communicate visual peace messages, PDRC effectively reaches illiterate and nomadic populations, promoting understanding and reconciliation across societal divides.

Furthermore, PDRC places a strong emphasis on post-settlement consolidation and the sustenance of peace gains. Recognizing the limitations of traditional peace mediation processes, which often exclude broad community participation and ownership, PDRC organizes follow-up rounds of awareness-raising campaigns aimed at disseminating the outcomes of peace reconciliation conferences to wider constituencies. Through film screenings, community engagements, as well as remote dialoguing initiatives and exchange of peace messages between divided communities, PDRC fosters a culture of peace, renewal, and coexistence, ensuring that peace processes are embraced and endorsed by all stakeholders.

 In addition to its efforts in communal conflict resolution, PDRC is deeply engaged in pacifying and resolving political conflicts in Puntland. Serving as a neutral mediator and facilitator, PDRC plays a pivotal role in managing political space and promoting dialogue and consensus-building among conflicting parties. With a commitment to fostering democratic principles and inclusivity, PDRC navigates Puntland through periods of political turbulence, offering viable options for compromise and cooperation.

Nonetheless, the PDRC’s engagement in the resolution of conflicts of political nature is not only limited to those within Puntland, but its support extends to administrative and interstate conflicts that the people and the State of Puntland have long had with neighbouring states such as Galmudug and Somaliland, particularly over the disputed regions of Mudug, Sool, and Sanaag. These conflicts, stemming from the aftermath of the central government’s collapse in Somalia during the 1990s, persistently afflict rural communities and occasionally escalate into full-scale confrontations between administrations. The repercussions are dire, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and infrastructure damage, notably in key urban centres like Galkayo and Las’anod.

While the resolution of these conflicts lies beyond the direct influence of PDRC, given their intricacies and entanglement with broader national-level power dynamics and reconstruction processes, the organization has actively engaged in efforts to mitigate their impact since 2005. PDRC focuses its support efforts on local communities and authorities on both sides of the conflicts. Leveraging its longstanding partnerships with like-minded organizations such as the Horn Centre (HC) and the Academy for Peace and Development (APD) in Galmudug and Somaliland respectively, PDRC has played a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability.

Through collaborative endeavors, PDRC and HC have made substantial investments in maintaining peace in Galkayo, successfully preventing a resurgence of violence since 2016. Similarly, PDRC and APD have facilitated dialogue and reconciliation, leading to the exchange of prisoners from the 2007 war between Somaliland and Puntland. Moreover, recognizing the impact of renewed conflicts in Las’anod since early 2023, PDRC and APD have established peace connectors from their respective capitals to facilitate the movement of people and trade between Hargaisa and Garowe.

These collaborative efforts reflect PDRC’s commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of interstate conflicts on local communities. By fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peacebuilding initiatives, PDRC aims to contribute to the resolution of political disputes and the establishment of peaceful coexistence in Puntland and its bordering regions. Through engagement with stakeholders on both sides of the conflict divide and leveraging its network of partnerships and resources, PDRC endeavors to pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Despite the myriad challenges encountered along the path to peace, PDRC remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing democratic governance and collective prosperity in Puntland and beyond. With over 25 years of hands-on experience, PDRC stands as an enduring symbol of hope, guiding communities towards a future defined by peace, reconciliation, and democratic governance.