Factors Contributing to Peacebuilding, Security, and State-Building in Somaliland

Peace is the foundation of human existence; without peace, life is nothing. Somaliland has experienced peace and state-reconstruction for the last three decades. This follows the destruction of the central government after the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, led by the military dictator General Mohamed Siad Barre. Somaliland established peace from the grassroots, where traditional elders, chiefs, and politicians gathered in a series of peacebuilding and hope restoration conferences. This article examines factors that contributed to peacebuilding, security, and state building in Somaliland. It discusses the institutional legal framework of peace, justice, and institutional building. Somaliland's peace conferences resulted in the restoration and establishment of a government structure, including the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches, within the framework of the constitution. Additionally, institutions were established to provide basic services, including education and health. The article highlights the process of Somaliland's peace reconstruction, including a series of local, national, and presidential elections, which have contributed to Somaliland's democracy. The introduction provides a detailed background of Somaliland's journey toward peace and state-building.