On the 28th of October 2023, the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) hosted a public symposium, entitled "Pathways to Stability in Somalia: Necessary Efforts to Sustainable Peace and Prosperity." The symposium is part of dedicated programme to support stabilisation in Somalia. The event convened Somali experts and researchers to discuss the current barriers facing the stabilisation endeavours and required socio-economic and security efforts to address these challenges.
The symposium featured three distinguished speakers, and it was moderated by Dr Aiham Alsukhni, a Senior Research Fellow at CHS.
In his intervention, Professor Afyare Elmi, a Research Professor at the City University of Mogadishu, outlined four main components crucial for political settlement in Somalia, including the temporary application of the 4.5 system, a federal structure, regular government changes, and addressing the issue of Al-Shabab. Also, he addressed the external factors such as African Union support and international community aid, which are deemed essential to prevent potential political and military escalation.
Dr Maryan Qasim, Senior Advisor on Policy and Strategy for UNFPA Somalia Country Office, stressed the critical role of social service provision through public sector recovery in achieving sustainable stability, emphasising the need for education, clean water, health, safety, and job opportunities. The most prominent challenges she mentioned include the lack of local resources, financial accountability, natural disasters, and security issues. To address these issues, Dr Qasim proposed recommendations that include increasing public expenditure on health and education, improving the country's infrastructure, and establishing hospitals and schools.
Finally, Mr Shoki Hayir, an International Consultant and Advisor at Adam Smith International underscored the significance of security in providing a conducive environment for stabilisation. As he analysed the security aspects of stabilisation in Somalia from anthropological and sociological perspectives, Mr Hayir also explained the imperative of Somali national dialogue and how supporting and fostering inclusive Somali identity can contribute to its success. He further emphasised the importance of recognising the successful and failed experiences of the past to pave the way for future reconciliation in Somalia.
The symposium provided valuable insights and actionable recommendations for achieving stabilisation in Somalia. CHS remains committed to its mission of enabling sustainable recovery in conflict-affected societies and looks forward to continuing collaborative efforts with key stakeholders.
About the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS)
The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) is an independent research centre focusing on conflict mediation, humanitarian action, and post-conflict recovery in the Arab world and beyond. Established in 2016, CHS collaborates with leading research organisations to inform evidence-based approaches to conflict response. The Center facilitates multi-track dialogues, engages in mutual learning, and shares experiences and best practices with key stakeholders in humanitarian action.
For more information, contact us at: chs@chs-doha.org.