Social cohesion and community resilience in post-conflict Somalia: community perspectives on sustainable development and social stability

Introduction Social cohesion and community resilience are fundamental to promoting sustainable peace, local development, and social stability in societies recovering from prolonged conflict. In post-conflict Somalia, rebuilding trust, cooperation, and a shared sense of identity among community members is essential for addressing persistent social and economic challenges. This study examines the role of social cohesion and community resilience in supporting local development and social stability by exploring community perceptions, resilience-building strategies, and their influence on development initiatives. Methods A qualitative research design was employed to capture the perspectives of key community stakeholders. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 purposively selected participants, including community elders and mediators, local government and district development actors, civil society representatives, women leaders, youth representatives, and development and humanitarian practitioners. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns related to social cohesion, resilience mechanisms, community development, and social stability. Results The findings indicate that everyday social interactions, community dialogue, and traditional leadership structures play significant roles in rebuilding trust and strengthening cooperation within communities. Informal support systems, including family networks, women’s groups, youth initiatives, and community-based organizations, were identified as critical mechanisms that enable communities to cope with economic hardship, insecurity, and social disruption. Strong community relationships and resilient social networks were also found to contribute substantially to the implementation of local development initiatives and the maintenance of social stability. Discussion and conclusion The study demonstrates that social cohesion and community resilience are essential foundations for inclusive local development and long-term social stability in post-conflict Somalia. Strengthening community-based social structures, supporting traditional and local governance mechanisms, and investing in resilience-building initiatives can enhance sustainable peace and improve development outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of community-driven approaches in post-conflict recovery and provide evidence to inform policies aimed at fostering resilient and cohesive communities in Somalia.