Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the restoration of hope and statehood for the Somali people, following the historic Arta Peace and Reconciliation Conference in 2000, I am deeply honored to reflect on this significant milestone. As a member of the Somali Technical Committee and one of the two individuals responsible for completing the National Transitional Charter, I take immense pride in having been part of this transformative process.[1] The Arta Conference marked a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey toward peace and stability, and despite the challenges, the collective effort and determination of all participants made it possible to draft a Charter that would guide the country through its critical transitional phase. On this occasion, as we celebrate the progress made, it is also an opportunity to recognize the lessons learned and acknowledge that the road to lasting peace remains ongoing. While Somalia has made considerable strides, much work remains to fulfill the aspirations of its people for a peaceful, prosperous, and stable nation. I am grateful for Allah, the opportunity given to me to have contributed to this journey and remain committed to supporting Somalia’s continued growth, development, and peacebuilding.

Since the total collapse of the Somali state in 1991, the brotherly nation of Djibouti made three significant attempts to help reconcile Somalia and restore peace.[2] However, the most successful of these efforts was the Arta Conference, held in 2000, under the leadership of the newly elected President Ismail Omar Guelleh. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment played a pivotal role in bringing together Somali people, creating a platform for dialogue, and ultimately setting the stage for the restoration of hope and the rebuilding of Somalia’s statehood. The success of the Arta Conference remains a witness to Djibouti’s enduring support for its brotherly neighbor and to the resilience of the Somali people in their pursuit of peace and stability.

After 25 years, while Somalia continues to face significant challenges, it is crucial for many generations of Somalis to be reminded of the immense difficulties of reconciliation and state-building that marked the first decade of civil war and state collapse. The early years of Somalia’s disintegration were marked by profound hardship, as the country was torn apart by internal conflict and political fragmentation. Following the collapse of the central government in 1991, Somalia descended into a brutal civil war that fractured the nation along clan lines and fueled an atmosphere of violence, lawlessness, and instability. The streets became battlefields, and entire communities were displaced as warlords and rival factions fought for control of territory and resources. Countless lives were lost, not only in the violent clashes but also due to famine, disease, and the collapse of basic services like healthcare and education. Somalia’s infrastructure, once vibrant and developing, was left in ruins, and the economy crumbled under the weight of the conflict. Amidst this chaos, the Somali people found themselves in a constant struggle to survive, their lives marked by uncertainty and fear. As the country’s institutions disintegrated, it seemed as though the very fabric of Somali society was being torn apart.

Even in the darkest moments, there remained a flicker of hope—a shared yearning for peace and stability that would eventually steer the nation toward reconciliation and the long, difficult path to recovery. Rebuilding Somalia, both politically and socially, was an immense challenge, as the country was left fractured with no clear direction forward. The efforts during this time, including the relentless work of numerous peace conferences and initiatives, laid the groundwork for the eventual restoration of hope. As Somalia continues its journey forward, it is crucial to reflect on these early struggles, not only as a testament to the resilience required to overcome them but also as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who, amid unimaginable circumstances, worked tirelessly for peace. Their contributions should never be forgotten, for they played a vital role in the quest for Somalia’s renewal.

Arta Peace Conference, 2000, Djibouti

As members of Somali civil society, we have long worked to rebuild our country from the ground up—establishing schools, opening health clinics, reconciling local communities, and raising awareness for peace and reconciliation. However, during the first decade of the civil war, we were marginalized, and our voices went largely unheard. The warlords held the reins of power, and the international community seemed more focused on organizing conferences that were dominated by these very warlords, sidelining the broader civil society activists. Despite our tireless efforts, the warlord-driven processes failed to bring about the meaningful change. The turning point came with the collapse of the warlord-driven conferences, and from the ashes of that failure like a phoenix, hope began to rise for civil society. In this pivotal moment, President Ismail Omar Guelleh emerged with a strong, resolute voice at the United Nations on 22 September 1999, proposing a paradigm shift in the Somali peace process. He called for a new approach, one where the voices of Somali civil society would take center stage and lead the way in shaping Somalia’s future.

Somali civil society, both within Somalia and in the Diaspora, celebrated and strongly supported President Ismail Omar Guelleh’s call for the Somali Peace and Reconciliation Conference, seeing it as a genuine opportunity for lasting peace. Though most warlords refused to participate, the broader Somali population rallied behind the initiative. I had the honor of being one of two individuals[3] who worked closely with the Djibouti Peace Commission to plan the entire process, which was built on three key strategic factors: Somali ownership, allowing every willing Somali to participate without privileging the warlords; Djibouti’s facilitation of dialogue, offering a neutral, brotherly environment for peace; and the active participation of the Djiboutian people, who generously hosted their Somali counterparts. Finally, seeking international support was essential for providing the necessary international legitimacy. These foundational elements allowed the conference to move forward, focusing on empowering the Somali people to shape their future, rather than letting the warlords dominate the process.

After completing the National Transitional Charter in just 30 days at the secondary school in Arta, and securing approval of 97% of the delegates, the next phase began: the selection of members for the new Somali Parliament, consisting of 245 members though 4.5 clan power sharing, including a 25 MPs of women’s quota. Despite initial skepticism from many states, who had doubted that the small country of Djibouti could successfully host such a complex and significant conference, the process began to unfold smoothly. As the conference progressed, it became increasingly clear that Somalia was on the verge of rebirth. The international community, which had once viewed the effort as a long shot, started to realize that a new Somali state was taking shape, marking a historic moment in the country’s journey toward peace and reconstruction.

With the election of Abdiqasim Salad as Somalia’s president, the dream of the rebirth of the Third Somali Republic became a reality. For Somali civil society, this was a moment of immense celebration, as it symbolized a new hope for the country—a hope that peace and stability were finally within reach. However, this progress was met with dismay by many of the warlords, who saw their power and influence slipping away. In response, they began to plot a counter strategy to destabilize and ultimately topple the newly established government. Despite the hope that the election of President Abdiqasim represented, the challenges were far from over, as the warlords sought to reclaim control through violence and chaos, threatening to undermine the hard-won peace process.

As we celebrate and remember the 25th anniversary of the monumental Arta Conference, President Ismail Omar Guelleh has taken a significant step by establishing a historic monument—a museum dedicated to the Arta Conference. This museum will serve as a powerful reminder to future generations of the unforgettable history forged by the people of Djibouti and their leaders in their tireless efforts to restore hope for Somalia. It stands as a tribute to the vision, resilience, and brotherhood that enabled Somalia to begin its long journey toward peace and stability, with Djibouti playing a pivotal role as both host and facilitator. The museum not only honors the past but also ensures that the legacy of the Arta Conference continues to inspire future generations, reminding them of the importance of unity, cooperation, and the enduring pursuit of peace.

In conclusion, while most of the active participants of the Arta Conference have since passed away, may Allah grant them His mercy, their legacy deserves to be honored and respected. They were the architects of a pivotal moment in Somali history, and their sacrifices and contributions should never be forgotten. On the other hand, as Somalia continues to face the challenges of state-building, we must look to the lessons of Arta for guidance. The success of the Arta Conference—and the hope it inspired—was not only due to the goodwill of the people, but also the leadership, sincerity, and unwavering faith in Allah that guided the process. Leaders play a pivotal role in both breaking and rebuilding nations. In times of disintegration, weak or divisive leadership can exacerbate conflict and prolong suffering, as we saw during Somalia’s collapse. But when leaders are guided by principles of unity, honesty, and a genuine commitment to the greater good, they have the power to steer nations out of chaos and toward recovery. President Ismail Omar Guelleh’s vision and decisive leadership at the Arta Conference were instrumental in shifting the trajectory of Somalia’s peace process. As Somalia continues its journey toward peace and stability, it is crucial to remember that true progress is built on strong, honest leadership, a deep commitment to the values of unity, faith, and perseverance. These principles are the foundation upon which a nation can be restored, and it is through such leadership that Somalia can continue its path toward lasting peace and prosperity.

Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow
Email: abdurahmanba@yahoo.com
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Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow is an author and Professor of Modern Islamic History  at Mogadishu University.