About Us

The Academy for Peace and Development (APD) was established in 1998 as a research, independent, policy-oriented think tank institute.

Vision Statement

“APD envisions of an inclusive, prosperous, democratic and stable Somaliland”

Mission Statement

The Academy is a center for excellence and leadership dedicated to peace and state building and the achievement of a just and prosperous society in Somaliland through Research, Documentation, Training, and Dialogue

Values

Our core values as an institution are integrity, professionalism, and critical thinking

Our Story

After the collapse of the Somali central government, Somaliland was rebuilt from the ashes, and the early 1990’s was a period of reconciliation, statebuilding, and peacebuilding. Upon declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland was divided, had no government or governing systems in place, nor a functioning economy. It is against this backdrop that the Academy for Peace and Development (APD) was founded in 1998. In the early 1990’s and 2000s, Somaliland was shifting from a clan based system of governance to a multiparty democratic state. Operating in this context, APD’s work was instrumental in advancing Somaliland’s statebuilding and peacebuilding processes.

APD has mediated and intervened between warring clans, facilitated inter-clan dialogues, supported the enforcement and implementation of peace accords. Furthermore, APD was influential in strengthening Somaliland democratization process through policy formation and drafting of the election law, political party code of conduct, in election related dispute management, and strengthening the capacity building of political parties.

Our Expertise

APD has over two decades of experience in inter-clan conflict resolution, peacebuilding through traditional mediation approaches, and community rehabilitation and integration. APD mediated, intervened, and transformed over 20 inter-clan conflicts, and still continues to work with local peace committees in post-conflict areas to eliminate and address any confrontations. In addition, APD has an extensive knowledge in policy development, policy education, and public policy dialogue. As well as in capacity building for public institutions and political parties. Furthermore, APD has an excellent audio-visual department that specializes in filmmaking and documenting peace processes.

Our Donors

Project Partners

As a non-profit organization, the Academy for Peace and Development is honoured to receive support from several esteemed institutions and organizations. Some of our most recent project partners include: