Chatham House Events in April

Somaliland’s Electoral Challenge

Wednesday 7 April 2010 17:30 to 18:30

Location: Chatham House, London

Participants:

• Dr Mohamed Fadal, Director, Social Research and Development Institute (SORADI), Hargeisa
• Mohamed Barud Ali, Advisor on Aid Coordination, Somaliland Ministry of Planning
• Saeed Ahmed Mohamoud, Democratisation Programme Officer, National Electoral Commission of Somaliland

Type: Research and other events

Despite its lack of international recognition as a sovereign state, Somaliland has long been one of the few secure and democratic territories of the Horn of Africa. This security is threatened by the political impasse which has resulted from repeated postponements of presidential and parliamentary elections. In April 2010, presidential elections are again due to be held, but the uncertainty surrounding whether these will take place threatens to cause further deterioration to region which is already the most volatile on the African continent.

The speakers at this event each have unparalleled experience of politics in Somaliland, and they will provide an insight into the challenges which the region faces in the run-up to elections.



Somalia: A New Approach

Thursday 22 April 2010 09:00 to 10:00

Location: Chatham House, London

Participants:

• Bronwyn Bruton, Author, International Affairs Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
• Sally Healy, Associate Fellow, Chatham House

Type: Research and other events

Even among failed states, Somalia stands apart. This event will launch the Council on Foreign Relations Special Report, sponsored by CFR's Center for Preventive Action, in whcih Bronwyn E. Bruton argues that the current US policy of supporting the TFG is proving ineffective and costly.
Instead, Bruton advances a strategy of 'constructive disengagement.' Notably, this calls for the United States to signal that it will accept an Islamist authority in Somalia-including the Shabaab-as long as it does not impede international humanitarian activities and refrains from both regional aggression and support for international jihad. The report recommends continued air strikes to target foreign terrorists while taking care to minimize civilian casualties. It argues for a decentralized approach to distributing US foreign aid that works with existing local authorities and does not seek to build formal institutions. And the report counsels against an aggressive military response to piracy, making the case instead for initiatives to mobilize Somalis themselves against pirates.

A map to Chatham House is accessible by clicking here