Thre The Nexus of Federalism, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding: Evidence from Somalia

Ali Farh Abdullahi; Abdihakim Omar Abdullahi; Zakaria Abdo Osman

doi:10.35516/Hum.2025.6951

Authors

Ali Farh Abdullahi School of Social Sciences, Simad University, Mogadishu, Somalia. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2071-0466
Abdihakim Omar Abdullahi Graduate School of Social Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Penang, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9026-0257
Zakaria Abdo Osman Graduate School of Public Administration, Simad Universit, Mogadishu, Somalia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1913-8972

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2025.6951

Keywords:

Federalism, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, Somalia

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between federalism, conflict dynamics, and peace processes in Somalia, focusing on how federalism impacts conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Methods: A qualitative approach was used to gather data from a sample of 150 respondents drawn from a population of 250 through simple random sampling. Respondents included community leaders, politicians, civil society representatives, and general public members. Slovin’s Formula was applied to determine the sample size. Multiple linear regression analysis and structural modeling were performed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) software.

Results: Findings indicate a significant positive association between federalism and both conflict management and peacebuilding in Somalia (R² = 0.58, Sig = 0.00). Enhanced federalism practices corresponded with higher levels of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, while limited federalism was linked to reduced levels. Additionally, federalism was shown to support the accommodation of Somalia's diverse clan and regional identities.

Conclusions: Federalism plays a critical role in advancing conflict management and peacebuilding in Somalia. Effective federalization requires strategic planning and the integration of various considerations to address local complexities. Coordination between federal and regional governments is essential for ensuring balanced power distribution and resource allocation.

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