Policy brief published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), February 2025.
Somalia faces severe energy poverty, with only 39% of its rural population having access to electricity. The widespread reliance on biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal has exacerbated environmental degradation, deforestation, and competition over scarce natural resources. These challenges are deeply intertwined with ongoing conflict dynamics, where resource scarcity fuels tensions between communities, particularly in regions recently recovered from al-Shabab control. Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden due to their traditional roles in firewood collection and cooking, further entrenching gender-based hardships.
In urban areas, energy insecurity takes a different form. The electricity supply is largely dependent on imported diesel, which is both expensive and subject to price volatility. Local monopolies further restrict access, making energy an economic burden for many households and businesses. The combination of environmental degradation, economic vulnerability, and energy scarcity perpetuates a cycle of insecurity and conflict.
Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia is promoting rural electrification through solar power as part of a broader environmental peacebuilding strategy. This initiative seeks to address both immediate energy needs and long-term stability by reducing reliance on unsustainable energy sources, fostering cooperation over shared resources, and strengthening governance structures.
A core aspect of the IOM’s approach is the facilitation of local public–private partnerships (PPPs) to implement solar power projects at three levels: community, local business, and district councils. By involving local actors in energy solutions, these partnerships aim to foster trust, cooperation, and economic resilience.
While research on the direct link between renewable energy and peacebuilding remains limited, there is growing recognition of the potential for energy transitions to mitigate grievances and inequalities that fuel conflict. Renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, offer an opportunity to break the cycle of environmental harm and insecurity by providing a sustainable alternative to resource-based livelihoods.
The SIPRI Policy Brief explores the early stages of this initiative, offering insights into the design and implementation of IOM’s solar projects. Though the long-term impact remains to be seen, the initial findings suggest that integrating renewable energy into conflict-affected areas can play a crucial role in fostering stability, resilience, and cooperation. The brief also provides recommendations for donors and implementing organizations to maximize the peacebuilding potential of solar energy projects, emphasizing the need for inclusive, locally driven approaches to energy transition.
By addressing energy poverty through sustainable solutions, Somalia has an opportunity to not only alleviate immediate hardships but also lay the foundation for long-term peace and environmental recovery.
These are extracts from a policy brief written by Ann-Sophie Böhle and Kheira Tarif, February 2025. To read the full brief, follow the link here.