By Hamse A Yonis
Somaliland gained independence from the UK on June 26th, 1960. On July 1st, 1960, the state of Somaliland united with Somalia, a territory under a U.N. mandated Italian Trusteeship until that same day, thereby creating the Somali Republic. The Republic of Somaliland restored its independence after the total collapse of Somalia on 18th May 1991 as a result of the civil war of the late eighties and early nineties. The decision was made by the Congress of Council of Clan Elders held in Burao from 27 April to 15 May 1991. Constitutionally, the Republic of Somaliland is a democratic country with a multi-party system. The decision to reclaim independence in 1991 was confirmed on May 31st, 2001, by a national referendum on the Constitution of Somaliland, which embodies the sanctity of its sovereignty and was approved by 97% of the vote. Since then, Somaliland has held two local municipal elections (2002 and 2012), a parliamentary election (2005), and three presidential elections (2003, 2010, and 2017).
In Somaliland traditional elders play a crucial role in creating a culture of peace and building relationships and trust between clans in conflict. If one looks at the activities of the clan The Role of the Traditional Somali Model in Peacemaking is based on the elders in mediation and reconciliation efforts, it is evident that their effectiveness can be attributed to the following four factors that can be considered as components of an “insider-partial” approach: Clan elders (a) live in the conflict setting; (b) enjoy trust and respect; (c) wield moral and traditional authority and moral persuasion; and (d) have a relationship with the community. One distinction which many Somalis (northerners and southerners) make between the north and south is that 'traditional social structures are embedded in the northern culture more than they do in the south. The SNM constitution recognized the importance of the clan system in Somali society and, within this, the role of the elders. The SNM constitution, therefore, sets out a bicameral legislature with an upper house of elders and a parliament of directly elected politicians. In Somaliland, it is the elders who took a leading role in restoring peace to the region. The example of the Somaliland elders bringing a chaotic situation under control provides an alternative model for the peace and reconciliation process for Somalia and similar failed states like Afghanistan.
In the Somali context, elders operate, not secretly, but in open councils ‘shir’, which all adult males or their representatives are allowed to attend. A ‘shir’ can be summoned at every order of the clan system. They are called to discuss relations between clans, to work out ‘heer’ contracts, to settle disputes, or to decide upon war or peace. Elders are professional negotiators and mediators in all clan matters and it is from this position that they have been able to assert their authority in Somaliland. In a peace meeting ‘shir nabadeedka’ it is the elders who undertake the negotiations, while the Sultan approves the results, in his position as head of the clan.
In conclusion, we recommend that the traditional elders should be empowered and strengthened to maintain peace and improve it to become more sustainable.