The Role of Media in Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Somalia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Media's Impact on Conflict Resolution and Societal Cohesion

This research explores the critical role of media in peacebuilding and reconciliation in Somalia, a country that has endured prolonged conflict and political instability. The study begins by highlighting the significant influence media holds in shaping public discourse and its potential to foster dialogue and unity in post-conflict settings. However, it also notes that the effectiveness of Somali media in contributing to peace and reconciliation is not well understood. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the role of media in promoting peace and reconciliation, identify the challenges it faces, and propose actionable recommendations. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach,
combining both quantitative data from structured questionnaires distributed to 424 participants and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with 30 key informants, including media practitioners and regulatory bodies. Content analysis of media outputs was also conducted to assess how peacebuilding and conflict are portrayed in Somali media. The study’s findings reveal a highly fragmented media environment in Somalia, characterized by political interference, safety concerns, and limited resources. Quantitative data analysis, including inferential tests, shows no significant relationship between current media practices and peacebuilding outcomes. The qualitative data
further corroborates these findings, revealing that media practitioners often lack conflict-sensitive reporting skills, face external pressures, and operate in an environment where sensationalism overrides responsible journalism. The research concludes that while Somali media has the potential to be a powerful tool for peacebuilding, there are significant challenges to overcome. Recommendations include targeted training for journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting, enhancing journalist safety, and developing comprehensive media policies. The study also acknowledges its limitations, particularly the challenging security environment, which restricted data collection in some conflict-affected areas. This research provides valuable insights into the role of media in peacebuilding in Somalia and offers practical recommendations for improving the media’s contribution to sustainable peace and reconciliation.

Keywords: Media, Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, Media Ethics, Media Trust.