We had all the same chronic problems , even worse when independent consultants where asked.4.3.2 Ingredients of the Homemade Solution
In a nutshell, the lessons on how Somaliland restored peace in the Borama Conference in 1993 and in Hargeisa in 1997 can be summarized thus:
- The conference was organized and owned by Somalis. Since no foreign governments were involved, their conflicting interests (territory, power, strategic pursuit, money, or prestige) were not confounding factors as they have been in conferences organized for Somalia by the international community
- The locations were on the home turf. Most participants stayed with relatives, friends, and coattendees. Hence, the cost of the conference was minimal. In particular, there were no plush and expensive hotels, no planes or taxis, no commission on these service, no fees for organizers of conference (as for instance in Kenya).
- The conference was not for warlords or politicians committed to war if they do not get their aims or who used violence to keep their power even if reconciliation was achieved. Through public organization and pressure, Somaliland sidelined these elements.
- Clan elders and religious elders led the conference to use their moral and religious authority for mediation and moderation. Military officer bent on resolving differences through violence and and the Westernized elite whose vanity exceeds their competence were included in the process but not given leading role.
- Food and comfort were minimal. In fact, the more uncomfortable the venue, the quicker reconciliation work is completed; the more comfortable the venue (e.g. the Hilton or the like) the longer time spent on reconciliation with little result.
- The conference used Somali time, not European time. There was no rash or specific agenda to be completed in a specified time. The primary aim was achieving durable solution even if that took months. For instance, the conferences in Borama and Hargiesa took at least five months each.
- The conferences were inclusive. Great care was taken to include every group, hear its concerns, and where possible accommodate its interests and views.
- The modus operandi was consensus, not majority vote. This meant that every effort had to be made to find agreement among all clans, large or small.
- The language was Somali. This freed everyone to speak with oratory and personal style they like. It also freed the participants from the misplace authority of a foreigner who chairs meetings but really has no clue of Somalis and their way of settling disputes
The Habar Gidr versus Abgaal is nothing to the centuries old feudings between Issaqs and their neighbours
