Somali Diaspora and Post-Conflict Reconstruction Process: A Case of Wadajir, District, Mogadishu, Somalia, From 2004 -2016
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Date
2022
Authors
Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohamed
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study sets out to interrogate Somali diaspora and post-conflict reconstruction process a case of Wadajir, district in Somalia, from 2004 -2016. It was guided by three objectives, one to examine the emergence of Somalis’ in the diaspora; to evaluate the contributions of diasporic Somalis’ on the economic reconstruction of Wadajir district in Mogadishu; and lastly to examine the involvement of Somali diaspora in the reconstruction of political processes in Wadajir district of Somalia. This study was undertaken using both qualitative and quantitative research methods and its findings presented in terms of pie charts and tables. The research instruments used were questionnaires and interview schedules where key informants were interviewed. These informants were chosen through both random and purposive sampling procedures. Theoretically, the analysis of the data was done using the postcolonial theoretical framework and the post-conflict reconstruction theory. The major outcome of the study is that the Somali diaspora have contributed immensely to the reconstruction process of Wadajir district in Somali and their contribution should not be overlooked. The study has also revealed that apart from clan conflicts, other factors that led to the emergence and creation of Somali diaspora included, the need for western passport because of the non-recognition of Somali passport, desire for western education, Islamic awakening and consciousness, and the need to have foreign education and more so higher education. This is because, certificates from institutions of higher learning out of Somali are highly recognized by employers and international agencies working not only within Wadajir as our study area but also within entire Somalia. This study also found out that, Somali diaspora have also contributed in the political processes in Wadajir district and most of the representatives at the legislative level and administrators in government bodies are mostly Somalis from the diaspora. However, it was also evident that relationship between the locals and some of the Somali returnees from the diaspora in Wadajir was both conflictual, indifferent and mutually beneficial. This study therefore recommends that there is need to enhance policy framework on the integration of Somali diaspora and returnee into the society for purposes of ensuring mutual cooperation with the locals for the economic, political and social reconstruction and development of Wadajir district. The study also recommends that equal employment opportunities should be provided for both locals and Somali returnees. Further, the study recommends that comparative study should be done on the role of Somali diasporic community in the reconstruction process in other regions and districts of Somalia.
Description
Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Management of Kenyatta University, November, 2022
Keywords
Somali Diaspora, Post-Conflict Reconstruction Process, Wadajir, District, Mogadishu, Somalia, 2004 -2016