Complex Solutions to Local Problems

“This timely book is based on a critique of international and regional intervention in the Somali crisis by the AU, UN and neighbouring states. Its strength lies in its analysis of the limitations of international intervention in Somalia by pointing to its inability to resolve the crisis. The book poses a critical challenge to the dominant paradigm of conflict resolution and peace intervention, by raising fundamental questions about the hegemonic interests underlining external intervention in Somalia. This forms a well-informed basis for advocating an effective and more viable homegrown alternative to the problematic external interventions. It offers a brilliantly articulated Pan-African perspective on the salience of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms to the quest for building sustainable peace on the continent.” —Cyril Obi, Programme Director, African Peacebuilding Network, Social Science Research Council (SSRC), New York, USA. “Drawing from the extant literature and media reporting on the persisting crises in Somalia, the author provides us with a nuanced and compelling argument about the limitations and perils of military intervention in the resolution of African conflicts. Using the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) as a case study, Dr Cocodia effectively unpacks the ‘dangers of a single story’ in which dominant Western narratives present Somalia as an irredeemable African tragedy; despite the fact that the northern provinces of Puntland and Somaliland have established stable indigenous social and political orders. Resolving African conflicts, the author persuasively contends, requires serious engagement with traditional conflict resolution mechanisms; as demonstrated by the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) in central Somalia. This is a valuable scholarly contribution that adds to our understanding of the intractable Somali crises and the path to the restoration of peace.” —Dauda Abubakar, PhD, Professor, Political Science & African Studies, University of Michigan-Flint, USA. “The book, Complex Solutions to Local Problems: Constructed Narratives and External Intervention in Somalia’s Crisis, inquires into the crab-hole web of Somalia’s crisis and critically analyses the matrix between contrived narratives and foreign intervention. The author meticulously interrogates Somalia’s sociopolitical substructure and unveils the multidimensional challenges confronting the quest for enduring or sustainable solutions. Through keen insight and fine analytical skills, the book sheds light on how external actors define narratives and make tensions worse. The book is a sure read for policymakers, scholars, students and peace practitioners who seek to understand the complex and deep-seated conflict in Somalia.” —Ibaba Samuel Ibaba, Professor, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Niger Delta University, Nigeria.