The Nomadic Peace: A Constructivist Analysis of the Somaliland Peace Process

Sammanfattning: This qualitative case study utilizes constructivist theory to better understand the success of the Somaliland peace process, which took place in the early 1990’s. The thesis argues that underlying forces, such as social change, social norms, values, beliefs and traditions have been vital in strengthening and legitimizing the peace process. Somaliland has been chosen as the case due to its impressive success at using local resources to lead a bottom-up process of reconciliation and settlement to solve major disputes without international aid or interference. The study examines the use of established traditions and norms, such as the agency of elders as peace makers and an ingrained system of customary law, known as xeer. Norms that are seen as particularly encouraging to the peace in Somaliland include madasha nabada, which stipulates that peace be made directly in the place of the conflict, and gobannimo, which is a highly valued trait of selflessness contributing to an atmosphere of sacrifice towards the peace. Additionally, strongly held religious beliefs set a tone favorable to peaceful and reconciliatory meetings between individuals and communities. Finally, a common shift in attitudes and desires in the years leading up to the peace process encouraged a process of social change, which resulted in reconciliation, forgiveness, and eventually peace.