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Category: Publications
PDRC ANNUAL PEACE LEARNING CONFERENCE – 2023
Delve into the rich knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives from the PDRC Annual Peace Learning Conference in 2023, an event which, for the first time in Somali history, brings together peace practitioners, activists, independent thinkers, and think tank organizations from East Africa who are engaged in peacebuilding and social reconciliation in the region.
AN ASSESSMENT OF MINORITY COMMUNITIES’ LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION IN PUNTLAND POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATION
Who are the minority groups? What factors influence their political representation in Puntland, and how can it be increased?
Read PDRC’s latest report on assessing the minority communities’ level of participation in Puntland politics and administration.
Puntland Constitutional Amendment: Analysis of Changes, Effects, and Prospects of Application
The Puntland State of Somalia has grappled with intricate political complexities, armed conflicts, and political conflicts since its establishment in 1998, primarily spurred by a constitutional crisis. This study delves into the evolution of the Puntland constitutional-making process from 1998 to 2012 and recent amendments to the state laws, including the constitution itself. Various administrations have spearheaded these initiatives at different intervals, marking significant milestones in Puntland’s political landscape.
This policy brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent constitutional amendments in Puntland, shedding light on their historical background, procedural intricacies, and their ramifications on the democratization process, as well as the region’s political landscape.
Climate Dislocation in Somalia: Preliminary Findings from Puntland
PDRC, University of Sussex (UK), and Queens University (Canada) cooperated on a study on the effects of ongoing shocks of climate change, including drought, floods, deforestation, and the consequent humanitarian crisis in Puntland, Somalia. The study explores the potential mitigation measures and long-term resiliency strategies at the grassroots, state, and national levels. According to the study findings, the severity of the conditions on the ground and the imperatives of emergency assistance demand targeted, long-term interventions. The study, released as preliminary findings of a pilot study in Puntland, offers a window into the dire conditions of urban and rural residents. The hope is to draw attention to the situation and amplify the calls for immediate humanitarian relief and long-term remedies, including resilience strategies against climate change shocks.
Puntland Local Government Elections: Lessons learned for future democratization
Since its establishment in 1998, the Puntland State of Somalia has had a clear objective: to transition from a clan-based system to a democratic multiparty system rooted in the one-person, one-vote (OPOV) principle. Despite over two decades, the journey towards fully institutionalized democracy, ending clan-centric governance, has seen both strides and setbacks.
This policy paper aims to share the lessons gleaned from Puntland’s local government elections, informed by a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process by the Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) and public election data, academic research, and stakeholder interviews. It aims to provide actionable policy recommendations for refining future electoral endeavors in Puntland and guiding other federal member states in Somalia as they embark on similar democratic ventures.
Mudug Social Reconciliation
Reconciliation in Mudug through participative dialogue and breaking social barriers
Peace in Mudug
Peacebuilding through participative dialogue and breaking social barriers.
First PDRC Annual Peace Conference
The Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) hosted its first Annual Peace Learning Conference in Garowe, Somalia, from September 21-23, 2023. This event brought together over 200 participants to discuss and share strategies for building peace and reconciliation in Somalia. The conference featured presentations from independent researchers and aimed to amplify the voices of peace practitioners and community leaders.
Download to read the full report:
Communique from PDRC Annual Peace-Learning Conference 21–23 September 2023
Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) launched the Annual Peace-Learning Conference in Garoowe, Puntland’s capital, from September 21–23, 2023. More than 200 persons from universities and research institutions attended the conference which was the first of its kind to be held in Somalia. The main goal of the conference was to bring together experienced peacebuilders and people engaged in peacebuilding so that they could share knowledge, experience, and insights. The conference released a Communique that reflects three full days of interactive discussions, analysis and deliberations, which you can access at the link below, both in Somali and English languages:
Public Knowledge, Attitude and Perception on Puntland Local Government Elections
Puntland’s democratization process is a significant development in the establishment of a democratic government in Somalia which has long been plagued by political instability, clan-based conflicts, and a lack of effective governance. Puntland, a semi-autonomous region located in the northeastern part of the country, has been actively working towards democratization since its establishment in 1998 and has over time emerged as a beacon of hope for the establishment of a more stable and democratic government.
One of the key steps in Puntland’s democratization process was the development and adoption of a constitution in 2012. The constitution outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the structure and functions of the government, and the principles of democratic governance. By establishing a constitution, Puntland sent a clear message that it is committed to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
Mudug Security Analysis Paper
2015-2023
This report presents findings from an August 2023 assessment commissioned by PDRC to investigate conflict dynamics and explore long-term strategies for peace and security in the Mudug region. Through interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders—including local authorities, women, youth, traditional leaders, and security forces—the study sheds light on the root causes of conflicts, challenges to security, and actionable solutions for affected communities.
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Puntland local government elections: Implications and prospects for the Puntland parliamentary and presidential elections
For the first time since its establishment 25 years ago, the Puntland State of Somalia concluded the first local government elections based on universal suffrage. This long-awaited dream of Puntland citizens had been tried many times in the past, with each attempt failing for a variety of reasons: time, lack of civic education, lack of trust, and so on. On 25 May 2023, the citizens of 30 districts in Puntland finally went to the polling stations to elect their local councils.
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