Somalia Charts New Path for Measuring Reconciliation and National Cohesion

Somalia has taken an important step toward strengthening its reconciliation efforts by moving to harmonize diverse peace measurement systems into one national framework. Anchored in the Principles for Peace, the initiative aims to link local realities with internationally recognized standards.

Reliable and consistent data is essential for building trusted institutions and monitoring progress toward national cohesion. For years, UN agencies, local organizations, and international partners have carried out data collection and analysis to inform programming and research. While these efforts have been valuable, they have also remained fragmented. The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation (MOIFAR) is now leading a process to bring them together under a common platform.

On 10–11 September, MOIFAR convened partners for a workshop to advance this agenda. Participants unanimously agreed to consolidate measurement systems under MOIFAR’s leadership and to work toward a future centralized platform. The outcome reflects the ministry’s commitment to building consensus and including diverse perspectives in Somalia’s reconciliation process.

During the workshop, MOIFAR introduced the Principles for Peace (P4P) Foundation as the designated partner to support this harmonization process. P4P shared its global indicators developed to track the Principles for Peace, already adopted by MOIFAR as a reference framework. These will form the basis for co-developing locally grounded metrics that connect Somalia’s reconciliation efforts with international benchmarks.

The next phase will include consultations and participatory workshops with Somali and international partners to design the new set of indicators. The process will focus on building a system that is credible, practical, and responsive to realities on the ground.

Why it matters: Somalia is at a critical juncture. Decades of conflict have left scars on institutions and society, and reconciliation is essential for lasting peace. This initiative directly supports the National Reconciliation Framework (NRF) by providing a structured way to monitor and advance its implementation. It also contributes to the National Transformation Plan (NTP), which requires robust evidence and accountability mechanisms to guide the country’s security and governance transition. By harmonizing how progress is measured, Somalia is setting the stage for more coherent policymaking, stronger accountability, and better coordination between local and international actors. A shared framework means decision-makers will have reliable evidence to guide reforms, communities will see their realities reflected in national strategies, and international support can be better aligned. In a context where trust is fragile, this initiative signals a move toward greater transparency, legitimacy, and collective ownership of Somalia’s path to peace.