News

Professionals from Somalia and Somaliland strengthen capacities
15 Aug 2022 - 16:32
Bron: Clingendael

Clingendael Academy provided a 5-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for professionals working at different institutions including universities, peace building organizations, media development organizations in Somalia and Somaliland.

The main goal of the training was to better equip the professionals with skills in negotiation and mediation, as well as to present them with interactive training methodologies that can be used in subsequent training where the professionals are active. The professionals will use the lessons learned in their own trainings for roving mediators in Somaliland and beyond. The roving mediators will aim to resolve active, past and hopefully mitigate future communal conflict through mediation. With this, we aim to have a multiplier effect and support even more professionals in the field of mediation.

The training was organised in close cooperation with Interpeace and MediaINK as part of the larger Miisaan Consortium, which strives to enhance Social Cohesion & Legitimate Governance in Somalia and Somaliland and is funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands through its embassy in Nairobi.

Training set-up

The first days of the programme were dedicated to honing the participant’s skills in negotiation and mediation. Through different bilateral and multilateral simulations, self-assessments and discussion sessions, the professionals experienced interactive working formats that can be used in adult learning. Moreover, participants deepened their knowledge of negotiation tools and concepts, such as the PIN model, behavioural strategies, and the phases of a mediated negotiation process. The fourth and fifth day of the training revolved around strengthening training capacities. Topics covered included formulating effective learning objectives, dealing with different learning styles in training and using interactive exercises.

Clingendael Training
Participants engage in a negotiation simulation, while colleagues observe and provide feedback

Way forward

Researchers and trainers of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies of the University of Hargeisa have developed a training curriculum to empower local roving mediators with conflict resolution knowledge and skills to enable them to resolve reoccurring communal conflicts. With input and guidance of the Clingendael trainers, the professionals have been able to review and refine their curriculum.

Participants will start their trainings for roving mediators later this year. Clingendael Academy will accompany this process and stands ready to support the team with follow-up ToT activities, to foster a successful implementation.