Social Contract Think Session

Social Contract Think Session: Southwest State of Somalia Perspectives

The Institute for Research Analysis and Dialogue (IRAD), in partnership with Asal and Saferworld, is pleased to host a collaborative symposium titled “Southwest State Perspectives on the Social Contract” on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, in Baidoa. 

This dynamic session brought together a wide range of participants, including regional parliamentarians, women, youth, persons with disabilities, traditional elders, religious leaders, marginalized communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), academics, media representatives, and officials from the Southwest State Ministries of Justice, Security, and Constitutional Affairs. 

Discussions centered on uniquely Somali perspectives of social contracts and their relevance to contemporary debates on citizenship, political settlements, and state (re)building efforts. The social contract framework was explored as a critical lens for addressing challenges such as fostering inclusive development policies and ensuring equitable outcomes. 

This symposium forms part of the “Somali Perspectives on the Social Contract Series,” a dedicated initiative designed to encourage subnational and federal dialogues. The series serves as a platform for sharing diverse viewpoints and crafting strategies grounded in local realities, contributing to a more inclusive and effective discourse on governance and development in Somalia.