Assessment on The Role of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) In Regional Peace and Security A Case of Somalia (2000-2010)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which IGAD policies, strategies, and implementation practices have supported the peace process in Somalia. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the efforts adopted by IGAD to restore peace in Somalia, assess the achievements and failures faced by IGAD in its approach to peace building in Somalia and offer sustainable strategies that could be adopted in enhancing sustainable long term peace building mechanism. The central question of this study was to what extent the activities of IGAD have promoted peace and stability in Somalia. The study used two theories: Neo-liberal institutionalist theory which sees institutions as agreements between states whose role is to be a guide for affiliated countries, reduce uncertainty and resolve global and political issues, and the securitization theory, whereby traditionalists, believers of the realist school of thought, define security as freedom from any detached military threat to the state's survival in an anarchic international system. This study used both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through three key informant interviews and one focus group discussion. From the findings, the study concluded that IGAD has had numerous achievements; however, it has not yet achieved its mission of sustaining peace in Somalia. Therefore, the study recommends that it is appropriate for IGAD to review its policies and strategies, to attain its goal and mission of sustaining long-lasting peace and harmony in Somalia. The study recommends that other studies should be done on IGAD’s regional cooperation on peace, security, and social development.