THE DUAL LEGACY OF FAITH: RELIGION AS A SOURCE OF SOCIAL COHESION AND CONFLICT IN SOMALILAND

Religion functions as a dual-edged social force capable of both uniting and dividing societies. This study explores how Islam serves as both a resource for peace and a potential source of conflict in Somaliland, the self-declared state in the Horn of Africa. Through historical, sociopolitical, and theological analysis, the study examines Islam's role in governance, social cohesion, and peacebuilding. Religious leaders have successfully utilized Islamic values and customary law (xeer) to resolve conflicts, broker reconciliations, and conduct humanitarian activities. However, when politicized or influenced by external ideologies such as Salafism and Wahhabism, religion becomes a catalyst for conflict. Ideological divergences, gender exclusion, and the instrumentalization of religious authority for political purposes challenge social harmony. The study findings demonstrate that religion's impact whether promoting peace or escalating conflict depends critically on actor intentions, interpretive frameworks, and broader sociopolitical contexts. In Somaliland, Islam contributes substantially to stability and social cohesion when applied ethically, inclusively, and insulated from political and extremist manipulation. These findings have significant implications for understanding religion's role in conflict-affected societies and for designing effective peacebuilding interventions that engage religious actors and institutions.