Conflict, Small Arms and Peace Building in Africa: a Case of Somalia

Abstract

Somalia's persistent instability and weak state institutions worsened by the illicit use of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) hinders sustainable peace and stability. The study examined the complex relationship between conflict, small arms, and peacebuilding in Somalia, with a view to understanding how the interplay of these variables affects the search for peace and stability. The specific objectives of the study include: to examine the conceptual, theoretical, and practical relationship between conflict, small arms, and peacebuilding; to assess the current status of conflict, small arms, and peacebuilding initiatives in Somalia; to evaluate the impact of conflict and small arms on peacebuilding initiatives; and to explore the roles of various actors in promoting security or insecurity in Somalia. In answering the research objectives, the study used conflict transformation theory to examine the systems change from conflict-habited systems towards peace systems. The study raised four hypotheses: there is a link between conflicts, small arms and peacebuilding in Somalia; the proliferation of small arms is a catalyst to the protracted conflict in Somalia; elimination of small arms will promote peace building initiatives in Somalia; international agencies have not done much to stop conflict, spread of SALWs and promote peace in Somalia. Using exploratory and descriptive research designs, the study gathered data through a mixed-methods approach from both primary and secondary sources. Purposive sampling was employed to select 400 respondents, including Somali government officials, African Union and IGAD representatives, Somali citizens, personnel from peace organizations, clan elders, and security agencies. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results developed through the analysis were presented in form of narration, tables and figures including pie charts, graphs, and tables. The findings show that there is a relationship between conflict, small arms and peacebuilding. The widespread availability of SALWs has made armed conflict a more accessible option for various groups, perpetuating a cycle of violence that hampers peace initiatives. The current status of small arms proliferation in Somalia is alarmingly high, contributing to ongoing conflict and impeding efforts to establish peace. Actors such as the Federal Government of Somalia, Islamist groups, and external entities like AMISOM play varied roles in promoting security or exacerbating insecurity. SALWs proliferation has made it difficult for peacebuilding processes to gain traction, as the availability of arms fuels continued violence and instability. The recommendations emphasize resolving political conflict in Somalia through dialogue, peacebuilding strategies, including supporting federalization and achieving political consensus among all stakeholders, including civil society. The study underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address the proliferation of small arms as a critical component of peacebuilding in Somalia. The study advocates a holistic approach that combines disarmament, strengthening governance institutions to manage SALWs, enhancing border controls to prevent arms smuggling, and implementing stricter gun control laws.