Narrative Approach to Peacemaking in Somalia

This chapter offers a narrative perspective on reconciliation and then uses a prospective case study to exemplify how a narrative approach could be used to design a peacemaking approach that is elicitive, at the level of story itself, for the interpersonal grassroots level, as well as the institutional or collective level. It integrates the dimensions of reconciliation that pose paradoxical dilemmas for practitioners and planners, whether they are indigenous to, or outside of, the context. It also introduces a prospective case study framed in a narrative lens based what might be a sequence and a process for reconciliation in Somalia as this such approach has been the topic of discussion by the leadership in Somalia and U.S. State Department officials. As such, this case study includes the nature of the narratives that these actors are currently telling about the conflict in Somalia. This narrative context provides an interesting backdrop to the proposal for reconciliation in Somalia.

We are presuming that the cultural traditions of peacemaking in Somalia, as well as the religious traditions of Sulha are critically important to the way that the Somalia people organize and structure a reconciliation process. Such aspects are in keeping with discussion of scholars who recognize the limitations of western models applied to non-Western settings (Abu-Nimer 1996; Irani and Funk 1998).

In a world where conflict is never ending, this thoughtful compilation fosters a new appreciation of the art of peacemaking as it is understood and practiced in a variety of contemporary settings.

Whenever we seek to understand others, build healthy relationships, soothe discord, right wrongs, or nurture respect, we are making peace. Whatever the situation, peacemaking is about learning—learning the other; learning the issue; learning the future; learning to co-create a new, shared reality. The more we know about how peace is made, the better equipped we are to help peace prevail.

Peacemaking: From Practice to Theory is about seeing, knowing, and learning peacemaking as it exists in the real world. Built on the premise that peacemaking is among the most elemental of human experiences, this seminal work emphasizes the importance of practice and lived experiences in understanding the process and learning what works to nurture peace.

To appropriately reflect the diversity of peacemaking practices, challenges, and innovations, these two volumes bring together many authors and viewpoints. The first volume consists of two sections: "Peacemaking in Practice" and "Towards an Inclusive Peacemaking;" the second of two additional sections: "New Directions in Peacemaking" and "Interpreting Peacemaking." As the title states, the work moves peacemaking beyond mere theory, showcasing peacemaking efforts produced, recorded, recognized, and understood by a variety of individuals and institutions. In doing so, it refocuses the study of peacemaking and guides readers to a systematic understanding and appreciation of the practices of peacemakers around the globe.

Features
• Contributions from an international, interdisciplinary team of 48 experts who bring together insights from peace and conflict resolution studies, anthropology, sociology, law, cultural studies, and political science
• First-person narratives detailing the experiences of prominent peacemakers
• Offers access to an ongoing, Internet-based, practice-to-theory project
• An extensive bibliography of resources about peacemaking and related fields

Highlights
• Recognizes and promotes peacemaking as an empirical, shared human experience
• Proposes a practice-to-theory movement for facilitating peacemaking, linking academic research with practice across disciplines
• Draws on insights from multiple religious and philosophical traditions
• Enriches the reader's understanding of the evolving international system