Abstract

Despite the combined efforts of the international community to end the 16-year conflict in Somalia, peace - and a national government - have yet to be achieved. Moreover, Somalia remains a security threat to neighboring countries due to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons - and possibly terrorism - across its borders. While there have been attempts to make causal links between remittances to Somalia and international terrorism, the role of remittances in the conflict and the peace effort has yet to be assessed. This project will attempt to elucidate the role of the Somali Diaspora in the conflict and peace effort, drawing recommendations that can be used by various stakeholders to reduce the level of violence. The project is also expected to provide the basis for a strong North-South research network to conduct further transnational study of Somalis in the wider diaspora, the region and the country itself.

Post-Project Summary

Researchers carried out a literature review and conducted extensive interviews with the migrant Somali community concentrated in Eastliegh (Nairobi) Kenya. They enlisted the support of a nongovernmental organization called the Somali Peace Foundation based in Eastleigh to elucidate the informal channels of money transfer. At the same time, a researcher interviewed recipients of remittances in Hargeisa, Somalia. This summary is based on an interim report, and therefore the results reported are preliminary.

The preliminary findings suggest that informal money transfers are the channels of choice in transmitting remittances from Kenya to Somalia; that small amounts of money are involved, most of which go toward subsistence and consumption; that there are significant South-South remittances; and that there are strong links both between remittances and conflict, and remittances and peace efforts. Hargeisa, unlike other parts of Somalia, enjoys considerable peace. There, remittances are being used to organize peace meetings and support political parties. Between 2006 and 2008 there were 30 peace meetings, all supported by Somalis in the diaspora. However, other evidence suggests that those who receive remittances may not necessarily use them the way they choose, as they may be forced to pay taxes to a faction or militia controlling the particular area in which they live.

A workshop held in Nairobi 6-7 May 2008 brought together project partners - Centre for Refugee Studies, Moi University, Academy for Peace and Development of Somaliland and participating nongovernmental organizations - plus other researchers and 10 Somali refugees.

Recipient Institution(s)