Abstract
This article aims at investigating the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting peace and security in Somalia, grounded in the theory of social capital, which provides the significance of social networks and community engagement in fostering peace. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys, engaging 200 participants, including NGO staff, community leaders, and beneficiaries. The findings revealed that 90% of participants recognized NGOs' contributions to humanitarian aid, with a mean score of 4.50, while 85% acknowledged active NGO engagement in peace initiatives, reflected in a mean score of 4.25. Additionally, the study identified challenges such as security concerns (82%, mean 4.10) and limited funding (75%, mean 3.85) that NGOs must navigate to enhance their effectiveness. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of NGOs in enhancing stability in Somalia and provides the need for strategic recommendations, including strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders, increasing funding for peace initiatives, and enhancing capacity-building programs. Thus, it was recommended that Donors and international agencies should increase financial support for NGO-led peace initiatives to expand their reach and impact.
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References
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