accompaniment
Overview
Since 2023, the Principles for Peace Foundation (P4P) has worked closely with the Somali government to support the implementation of the National Reconciliation Framework (NRF)—a landmark policy designed to rebuild trust, resolve conflict, and strengthen social cohesion across Somalia. The NRF’s explicit integration of the Principles for Peace reflects the Somali government’s commitment to an inclusive, accountable, and locally driven reconciliation process. P4P’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation (MOIFAR) underscores a shared vision for a peaceful and united Somalia.
Context
Somalia has endured over three decades of civil conflict, resulting in widespread displacement and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. As the country seeksgreater stability, the federal government is is pursuing the vision of a “Somalia at peace with itself and the world” and working to re-establish a resilient, inclusive state. In this context, reconciliation is critical to rebuilding the social fabric and ensuring sustainable peace.
After five years of consultation with federal institutions, member states, civil society, and international partners, MOIFAR launched the National Reconciliation Framework in April 2024. While the adoption of the NRF marks a significant step forward, translating its ambitions into tangible, inclusive outcomes remains a challenge. To this end, P4P continues to accompany the Somali government as a strategic technical partner.
Activities and Approach
P4P played a key role in the development and launch of the NRF, directly supporting the drafting process and offering strategic recommendations. In a major milestone, MOIFAR decided to anchor the NRF in the Principles for Peace, making Somalia the first country to fully integrate the Principles into a national policy. This move also allowed Somalia to demonstrate its openness to pluralism and inclusivity on the international stage.
Why this matters now
The Somali peace process is unfolding in real time, under conditions of ongoing insecurity, political fragmentation, and humanitarian strain. The NRF is more than a document — it is a stress test of whether inclusive, accountable peacebuilding can take root amidst active conflict. Success here could offer a replicable model for other conflict-affected states.
The opportunity
Somalia’s NRF brings together political will, national ownership, and a practical framework for reconciliation. P4P’s role is to help translate this alignment into steady, sustainable progress — supporting Somali institutions to strengthen their capacity and deliver peace dividends that communities can see and trust.
In doing so, P4P is contributing not only to Somalia’s reconciliation efforts but also to demonstrating how the Principles for Peace can guide conflict-to-peace transitions in other challenging contexts deliver peace dividends to Somali communities.
Key achievements
Supporting the integration of the Principles for Peace into national policy
Enabled Somali leadership to make Somalia the first country to anchor the Principles in a national framework, providing a clear and measurable foundation for reconciliation.
Amplifying Somali voices internationally
Facilitated Somali leaders’ participation in global forums such as Geneva Peace Week and the EU Community of Practice, strengthening Somalia’s profile and attracting partnerships in support of inclusive governance.
Creating platforms for strategic coordination
Through the PeaceGame and the participation in the Technical Advisory Board, P4P supported Somali institutions and their partners to engage in constructive dialogue, address implementation challenges, and jointly shape solutions.
Co-developing locally relevant monitoring tools
Currently working with Somali institutions to design national reconciliation indicators that are meaningful to communities while aligned with international standards.
Activities
PeaceGame Simulation
Throughout the accompaniment process, P4P provided technical support through the following activities: PeaceGame Simulation at MOIFAR strategic workshop: In collaboration with CRISP, P4P designed a PeaceGame simulation to stress-test the implementation of the NRF. This innovative exercise allowed Somali stakeholders to explore potential risks, foster inter-institutional dialogue, and develop strategies to address implementation challenges.
International Advocacy
P4P hosted a high-level delegation of representatives from Somalia, including H.E. Minister of Interior, Reconciliation and Federal Affairs Ali Yusuf Ali, to discuss the advancement of the National Reconciliation Framework at Geneva Peace Week, highlighting Somalia’s commitment to inclusive governance and long-term peace. P4P also invited a high-level delegation including the Special Advisor on Reconciliation to the Somali President to attend the EU Community of Practice in Brussels.
Technical Advisory Board (TAB)
In December 2024, P4P was invited to join the NRF’s newly established Technical Advisory Board. Through this platform, P4P offers ongoing strategic and technical guidance.
Partnership Agreement
In March 2025, P4P and MOIFAR signed an official Partnership Agreement to formalize their collaboration and scale support for the NRF implementation across Somalia
National Measurement Framework for Reconciliation
Thanks to the financial support of the Canton of Geneva, in 2025, P4P began developing a participatory framework to measure reconciliation in partnership with MOIFAR, aiming to co-design locally meaningful reconciliation indicators that are both rigorous and actionable.
P4P’s work is grounded in Somali ownership, inclusivity, and accountability. As a trusted technical partner, P4P contributes tools, insights, and international linkages to strengthen national capacities and help deliver peace dividends to Somali communities.
Ways forward
Somalia is at a defining moment in its peace journey. The NRF offers a blueprint for reconciliation, but sustained support is required to ensure its successful implementation. P4P remains committed to strengthening the technical capacity of Somali institutions, ensuring that the vision of inclusive, Somali-led peace becomes a lived reality for communities across the country.