Conference Title: Sustaining continuities: Navigating Complexities for Sustainable Development in the Somali Regional State amid Ethiopia’s Evolving Social Contract

CALL FOR PAPERS

Hankaal Institute and Universities of Kabridahar and Jigjiga

3rd Somali Regional Studies Conference

December 17-18, 2024

Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Context

Ethiopia ushered in major political changes in 2018. Since then, there have been major new developments but also some setbacks. This complex journey of the last six years needs to be thoroughly unpacked in a thoughtful manner in an academic setting. The conference is hosted by the region’s local universities and its main think tank institute.

As the Somali Region navigates Ethiopia’s ongoing political changes, it becomes increasingly imperative to contemplate the coherence and durability of its institutional development endeavors. This involves establishing governance structures that are more accessible to citizens and striving towards the attainment of sustainable development objectives. Concurrently, efforts should be directed towards fostering cohesive and resilient communities that are equipped to withstand conflicts and the adverse impacts of climate shocks. The Somali Region has long been a site of dispute with a long history of conflict. Given the historical marginalization and exclusion of the Somali Region, the region can set an example for sustainable peace and continuous socio-political reforms that provide some lessons learned for the rest of Ethiopia.

Across the continent, scholars, practitioners, educators, and political analysts are asking: what would a genuine and inclusive democratization process in Ethiopia look like?  How might the process of inclusivity be informed by indigenous communities’ knowledge systems and world view? How would state structures be reformed to not repeat historical human rights abuses and mass displacements of citizens? These questions are of immediate concern for all Ethiopians, and particularly the Somali Region and its inhabitants. 

To that end, the overarching theme for the 3rd Somali Region Studies academic conference is ensuring continuities and building sustainable public institutions for this region. A Somali proverb states, “People of Goodwill can mend rips in the sky”. Using ‘Mending Rips’ as a metaphor for much needed discussion on creating institutions for the communities of the Somali Region, the purpose of this conference is to mend closer connections and improve society and state relations, as well as fostering resiliency in the livelihoods for communities across the region and beyond.

The 3rd Somali Region Studies academic conference aims to offer a platform for reflection, discussion, debate, and analysis of significant contemporary issues pertaining to the Somali Region. It seeks to explore their connections to broader national trends in social, economic, political, and governance structures.

Conference Themes

Hankaal Institute for peace and policy development, together with the University of Kabridahar and Jigjiga University, will host the 3rd Somali Region Studies academic conference in Jigjiga. The aim is to critically examine and analyze contemporary and historical complexities pertinent to this region’s sustainable development and institutional strengthening in the face of climate change devastations.

Conference objectives are to:

• Provide a platform for scholarly research focusing on the Somali Region to be presented and discussed.

• Share ideas and exchange knowledge on issues pertinent to the Somali Region and the wider national as well as the regional context.

• Foster culture of networking and knowledge dissemination

•  Examine and take stock of this region’s institutional development processes and their sustainability.

• Reflect on the importance of indigenous knowledge and its role in building and sustaining resilient communities across this region.

• Share sound ideas for a common and principled Somali development agenda that can move this region from the margins of Ethiopian society.

Broad themes and sub-themes for potential contributors include:

• Historical experiences of Somalis in Ethiopia/ center-periphery relations.

                  o Exploring and unpacking Ethiopia’s Social Contract

• Somali perspective on contemporary nation-wide debates and dialogues on ethnic federalism, identity & belonging in Ethiopia
• The role of SRS’ political leadership in ushering in positive political transformation in the region and Ethiopia
• Taking stock of institutional capacity and developing concrete and context appropriate relevant development strategies including but not limited to the following sectors:

                   o Education

                    o Health

                   o  Access to meaningful employment in trades and professions

                   o Agriculture sectors

• Strengthening & Promoting Resilient Pastoral System in SRS

                     o Early warning systems for drought & other shocks in the region

                    o Sustainability of pastoral livelihoods

                    o Drought & climate resilient crops and farming

                    o Institutional systems capacity to build resilient communities