RELIGION ACTORS AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN SOMALIA, 1999– 2024

Purpose of study: This study examined the role of religious actors and ideologies in conflict management in Somalia between 1999 and 2024. Specifically, it analysed how religion contributed to conflict, examined religion as a tool for conflict management, and evaluated how religious ideologies influenced political and social conflict dynamics. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive convergent mixed-methods design. A census of 160 stakeholders was conducted, comprising religious leaders, community elders, government officials, faith-based organisation representatives, civil society actors and former combatants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and 50 semi-structured key informant interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings: The findings showed that religion played a dual role in Somalia's conflict. About 71.2% of respondents indicated that religion fuelled conflict to a high or very high extent, with extremist ideologies, foreign religious influence and misinterpretation of religious texts identified as major factors. Al-Shabaab was the most frequently identified actor. However, religion also provided important mechanisms for conflict management. Sulh (Islamic reconciliation) was rated the most effective approach, followed by mediation by Islamic scholars. Individual religious scholars and clerics were considered the most effective actors because of their moral credibility and community trust. Religious ideologies were perceived to intensify and prolong conflict, although they could also bridge clan divisions. Conclusion: The study concludes that religion in Somalia functions primarily as a mobilising instrument and catalyst rather than an inherent root cause of conflict. Religious peacebuilding can contribute meaningfully to conflict management when led by credible, trusted and independent actors. The study recommends stronger religious education, cooperation between religious and traditional leaders, and institutionalised, politically independent religious peacebuilding.