This study explores the causes of conflict in
South Central Somalia. It further proposes a hybrid
approach towards the conflict resolution mechanism. In
Somalia, Al-Shabaab, thriving on a narrative of Islamic
jihad and an Islamic caliphate expansion ideology, has
made the area haven of perennial and incessant conflict.
The stem of conflict can be traced to the poor
governance of President Barres’ Regime that culminated
in his overthrow and the subsequent collapse of the
State. Despite numerous political, diplomatic, and
military efforts to resolve the conflict in South Central
regions of Somalia, there seems to be no proper solution
attained yet. This paper uses a descriptive survey design.
The researcher targeted the Somali population residing
in the South Central Somali region, AMISOM security
forces, Government officials, local women leaders and
religious leaders and the youth. Data was collected using
questionnaires, observations and focus group discussions
and then analyzed using content analysis and statistical
software. The paper found out that the Somalia problem
is a function of a multiplicity of political, economic,
religious and environmental causes that resulted in
spiraling of the conflict through corresponding reaction
for each conflict and/or conflict causative action. This
paper thus calls for an overhaul of the existing peace
processes with an emphasis on a peace process which is a
hybrid of top-down and bottom-up approaches to ensure
lasting peace in Somalia.
Keywords : Conflict, Resolution, Governance, Grassroots.