Landmine Clearance and Peacebuilding: Evidence from Somaliland

Ikpe, Eka; Njeri, Sarah

Abstract

The mine action sector has struggled to demonstrate the socioeconomic benefits of mine clearance. Previous academic studies have made important contributions but have been limited in offering in-depth discussions of causal pathways. This paper seeks to fill that gap. It proposes a new framework, the Mine Clearance and Peacebuilding Synergies (MPS) framework that combines the Humanitarian Mine Action Peacebuilding Palette, the Mine Action- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework and theoretical considerations from the Infrastructure as Peacebuilding framework to interrogate this interaction. Using Somaliland's post-conflict reconstruction as a case study, we analyze qualitative and quantitative data to map both the direct and indirect benefits of mine clearance in relation to infrastructure development. We find that mine clearance can influence both economic and physical reconstruction through its impact on dominant economic sectors as well as critical strategic infrastructure, including ports and roads, and demonstrate the synergies therein with an array of SDGs.

Citation

Ikpe, E., & Njeri, S. (in press). Landmine Clearance and Peacebuilding: Evidence from Somaliland. Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, 17(1), 91-107. https://doi.org/10.1177/15423166211068324

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 2, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Dec 31, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 4, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 4, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Peacebuilding and Development
• Print ISSN: 1542-3166
• Electronic ISSN: 2165-7440
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 91-107
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15423166211068324
• Keywords: mine clearance, peacebuilding, infrastructure, sustainable development goals (SDGs), development, Somaliland, mine action, reconstruction
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15423166211068324