The Role of Regional Actors in Mediating and Resolving Conflict in Somalia

ABSTRACT This study explored regional powers and conflict management with a special focus to the interest of Kenya and Ethiopia’s in Somalia and how the interest has affected the Somalia situations. The main objective of this Research Paper was to establish the factors that have hampered resolution of Somalia conflict; to establish the effect of theinterest of Kenya and Ethiopia in the Somalia conflict; and to identify strategies that can lead to peace in Somalia considering the interest of Kenya and Ethiopia. The study employed qualitative approach and sought to cover the exploratory and descriptive elements of the research process. The first part of the study gives a background of conflict management efforts in Somalia. The second part provides details of the challenges in the management of Somali conflict, it covers the factors that hamper conflict resolution in Somalia. In the third part, the paper delves in the analysis of the interest of Kenya and Ethiopia in Somalia, it highlights the history of the modern Somali conflict, the justification of Kenya’s involvement in the Somali conflict, a multi-faceted approach in addressing national interest and the contemporary intervention in Somalia. Lastly, the fourth part of the paper presents a critical analysis of the involvement of Kenya and Ethiopia in the management of Somalia Conflict. The findings of the study reveal that conflicts in one country spreads and, thus affects other nations in one way or another. It was also revealed that resolution of Somali conflict requires a multi-faceted approach with the involvement of external actors. The involvement of Kenya and Ethiopia was also revealed to be marred with certain interest that may hinder conflict resolution in Somalia. The study recommends that there is need for the involvement of external actors with no other interest other that regional stability in the quest to resolving the conflict in Somalia.