Fractionality in Homogeneity? Value Differences and Cross-Cultural Conflict in Somalia

Ilemobola Peter Olanrewaju ()
Additional contact information
Ilemobola Peter Olanrewaju: Covenant University

Chapter Chapter 2 in Selected Themes in African Political Studies, 2014, pp 9-23 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Despite the fact that intra-state conflict is a common feature of post-colonial African states, the seemingly endless duration of the Somali crisis necessitates investigation into underlying factors that lead to this protraction. The Somali case has proved immune to peace talks, military interventions, and the restructuring of government by the international community. The lingering crisis produced alarming figures of dead and displaced persons; a collapsed State giving room for anarchy; an unhindered militia presence on both land and sea; and persistently becoming a menace and threat to the peace of its immediate neighbours, the region and the world. All these visible manifestations of the Somali state can be regarded as convulsions of its internal value differences. Thus, this study seeks to examine the Somali value systems, the differences emanating from the protection of such values, and how they have rendered conflict resolution attempts futile. In placing emphasis on the structure of the Somalian society, this study explores its unique stratifications that have kept the state collapsed. A descriptive-analytical approach is applied of secondary sources data. The findings of this research reveal the divisive characteristics of values in Somalia which have manifested in segmentation, clannism and loyalty. This has led to an endless violent struggle for dominance among the clans and social classes in Somalia culminating in a total collapse of the state. It is therefore concluded that value differences have been detrimental to peace in Somalia. This study recommends that genuine resolution efforts should thoroughly consider and engage these value differences.

Keywords: United Nations; Political Authority; Political Conflict; Violent Conflict; Peace Talk (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:aaechp:978-3-319-06001-9_2

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783319060019

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-06001-9_2

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().