The university partners is working with the people of Somaliland to promote peace and stability within their society by employing traditional means and best practices in global conflict resolution. Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is assisting the University of Hargeisa (UoH) establish a School for Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding and strengthening the institution’s research capacity, especially in the areas of indigenous conflict resolution.

This approach blends Somaliland’s three different justice systems - traditional, Islamic, and secular. Activities include joint research and writing between faculty members at UoH and faculty members at EMU as well as annual attendance by five UoH faculty at EMU’s Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI) to work with EMU faculty on curriculum development. At the summer institute, UoH faculty will co-teach up to three courses. EMU faculty will travel to Somalia each year of the partnership to develop teaching skills and mentor teaching colleagues.