An Assessment of AMISOM's Role in Conflict Transformation in Somalia

Somalia is a lineage-based society, in which virtually all members of society enjoy membership in a patrimonial clan-family. Each clan-family is in turn subdivided by clan, sub-clan, and sub-sub-clan, all on the basis of a Somali's extended family tree (Mansur, 1995:123). Depending on circumstances, different levels of lineage identity can be mobilized politically, making Somali clan system very fluid and unstable in nature (Elmi, 2010:47). While clannism has long hindered internal cohesion through division and fragmentation, competition for land, power and cattle has resulted in deep seated clashes. In order to address these root causes, significant change is required in the cultural and political construct of the country. Though AMISOM with support from the UN is striving to liberate the state from its dominant armed group - Al-Shaabab, and restore legitimate political control, efforts to address internal cohesion between clan members is still a challenge. This book presents critical research findings on AMISOMs role in Somalia's conflict transformation. It highlights concrete recommendations targeted to the AU on possible options to conflict transformation in Somalia.