EXPLAINER: What is National Reconciliation Framework of Somalia
Somalia reached a significant milestone on 30 April 2024, with the launch of the Framework, which will guide the country’s journey towards peace and stability.
Faduma Mohamed, Chief Programs Coordinator at Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, unpacks the policy instrument in this explainer.
What is the National Reconciliation Framework?
The National Reconciliation Framework is a tool used at various levels across the country: federal, state, and district. It comprises different pillars, including a mental health pillar and a trauma-healing pillar. Within the trauma-healing pillar, we address the effects of the 30-plus years of civil war on Somali communities, which have largely remained unaddressed. This chapter delves into how we can find resolution and address this trauma.
There is another chapter focuses on current events in Somalia, particularly the liberation efforts. It explores how to reconcile communities that have been under the control of Al Shabab for over 15 years, returning them to normalcy.
This framework provides a step-by-step guide for grassroots-level communities, like those in Somalia, to work towards lasting, sustainable solutions. It emphasizes collaboration across different sectors, including the justice and police sectors, as well as involvement from elders, religious leaders, women’s groups, and youth groups. It serves as a unifying document aimed at achieving consensus at various levels
What does it aim to achieve?
The framework serves as the stepping stone towards achieving lasting and sustainable reconciliation. It operates at the national, state, and district levels. Each conflict in the country is unique, requiring tailored approaches rather than a one-puzzle-fits-all solution. With this framework and state-specific initiatives, we aim to foster peace in Somalia. This guiding document will ultimately lead us towards a peaceful and stable Somalia.
Reconciliation is in the DNA of Somali culture: PM Barre
Reconciliation is in the DNA of Somali culture, said H.E. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre as he launched the National Reconciliation Framework of Somalia on 30 April 2024 in Mogadishu.
“Sitting under a tree, discussing our disputes, and coming up with peaceful solutions is symbolic of Somali culture. Dialogue means reconciliation,” said the Prime Minister.
Zainab Muhamod, Civil Society Member, Berghof Foundation, Mogadishu says, this is a positive step forward. “I believe this framework benefits the entire population, especially the youth. There are many components to this, each part of a larger puzzle. Advancing these pieces will significantly help the youth. It’s better than what the situation used to be. This is a step forward.”
Led by the Federal Government of Somalia, the framework’s formulation process was facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of the Somalia Joint Fund and UNSOM. In a nation scarred by decades of conflict and division, the framework represents a crucial step towards healing wounds, reconciling communities, and forging a path towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.
KEY TIMELINES
- 2007: First National Reconciliation Conference held in Mogadishu
- June 2017: Call for inclusive reconciliation framework
- October 2017: Consultations and workshops in Helsinki
- August 2018: Consultations on national scale begin
- December 2018: NRF draft submitted for approval
- February 2019: NRF validated by the Validation Conference held in Mogadishu
- 2020–2021: NRF discussion focused on women’s inclusion in peace processes
- 30 April 2024: NRF Launchd by Federal Government of Somalia
- Ongoing: NRF implementation and peace efforts
Read more about the National Reconciliation Framework: from the Ministry ofMinistry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation: Official Website
Read more about UNDP’s works in Somalia at: www.undp.org/somalia
