Training specialists for Peace Support Operations: Curricula development, deployment of subject matter experts, and contribution of technical assistance in applied research for the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC)

Posted in February 2014

Somalia has been considered a “Failed State” because civil war erupted in 1991 and the ensuing anarchy continued for more than 20 years. Furthermore, as a result of the complicated historical background of the colonial period, the nation has been virtually divided into three parts, with Somaliland in the northwest declaring independence and Puntland in the northeast also claiming autonomy. In light of these circumstances, Somali people have made various efforts with international society in order to restore law and order in Somalia.

Although sporadic conflicts still occur in the southern and central parts of Somalia, a democratic central government, the Federal Government of Somalia, was established in Mogadishu. The current circumstances in Somalia point to a new order.

The International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Kenya is conducting a joint research project with the Somali Observatory of Conflict and Violence Prevention (OCVP) from May to December of 2013 with the aim of gathering and analyzing information necessary for national reconstruction, peace building and security enhancement in Somalia. The Japan Center for Conflict Prevention (JCCP) brought the two rare research institutions together, resulting in increased support for development of local research capability and promoting intellectual exchanges in the field of peace building among the East African region.

In July 2013, IPSTC researchers visited the OCVP facility in Hargeisa, Somaliland, and discussed the research contents with support of JCCP. The OCVP gathered and specially trained local investigators in cooperation with local universities and civil groups.

A research method course in August 2013 in which 11 Somali investigators participated in aimed to impress participants with the specific themes of the investigation concerning peace and safety. They executed practical training with regards to field work methods using focus group interviews, reporting method and accounting.

After the course, the investigators traveled to eight regions throughout Somalia and interviewed mayors, young people, business people, internally displaced persons, etc. The field work completed in Mid-September, the data was sent to IPSTC, and Kenyan researchers have been analyzing data and writing reports since October.

Reseachers gathered from all over SomaliaParticipatory interview with internally displaced persons of Puntland