Somali Peace Line ( SPL), in partnership with Life & Peace Institute, hosted an insightful experience-sharing session in Abudwak, bringing together youth, elders, and local authorities to discuss Xeer—the Somali customary law and its role in governance, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.
Purpose of the Meeting
This gathering aimed to foster intergenerational dialogue and strengthen institutional collaboration to:
✅ Enhance youth participation in governance and peacebuilding
✅ Strengthen local administration structures for effective leadership
✅ Address land ownership disputes and broader conflict resolution efforts
✅ Promote equitable resource sharing among communities
Key Discussions
The dialogue focused on traditional Xeer principles, with elders sharing historical insights and their experiences in customary dispute resolution. Youth participants actively explored ways to:
📌 Increase community awareness on governance and justice
📌 Document and modernize Xeer agreements for future generations
📌 Monitor the implementation of customary resolutions
📌 Ensure youth involvement in decision-making processes
Outcomes & Commitments
At the conclusion of the meeting, all parties—elders, youth, and administration representatives—reached a common understanding on the urgent need for:
✔ Inclusive and transparent conflict resolution mechanisms
✔ Strengthened governance structures free from political bias
✔ Reducing nepotism and upholding the rule of law
✔ Fair and equitable distribution of community resources
This initiative reflects SPL’s core vision: empowering Somali communities to resolve conflicts peacefully from within. The success of this meeting highlights the power of collaboration in building a stronger, more just society.
