Strengthening Local Governance for Sustainable Land Conflict Management in Puntland: Evidence from Seven District Case Studies

Land disputes constitute a persistent and destabilising governance challenge in Puntland, Somalia, driven by weak land administration systems, contested public land allocations, and widespread informal occupation. In contexts where enforcement mechanisms are limited, such disputes can escalate into organised violence and large-scale displacement, undermining social cohesion and local governance structures. This study examines the scale, dynamics, and implications of land disputes in Puntland, particularly their impact on governance systems and social stability. To address these dimensions, the study adopts a qualitative research design, framed as a program evaluation with a case-oriented analytical approach, drawing on numerous data sources, including analysis of unpublished training and field reports from seven districts, and key informant interviews with purposively selected local government officials, judicial actors, land conflict management committee members, and community representatives who participated in the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Democratization of Puntland interventions. In addition, a case study of the Sheerbi conflict is used to illustrate the dynamics and severity of land disputes. Through this integrated design, the study assesses how these interventions have influenced local dispute resolution practices, mediation processes, and compliance with Puntland’s Urban Land Management Law (Law No. 2 of 25 August 2020). Data were analysed using thematic content analysis to identify recurring patterns and institutional challenges. The findings indicate that land disputes remain among the most critical drivers of instability in Puntland. These conflicts often stem from the absence of effective state control over land governance, contestation over public land allocations, and the prevalence of informal settlement practices involving individuals who are often involved with armed actors capable of mobilising. In some instances, the public officials, particularly those serving as mayors or executive secretaries within local governments, are among the primary actors involved in land grabbing and as major beneficiaries of illicit land accumulation, contributing to governance deficits. The study highlights the need for reforms to strengthen land governance systems, including the digitalisation of land registration processes, enhanced community engagement mechanisms, alignment and enforcement of local by-laws with state legislation, and setting up systematic land dispute incident reporting frameworks. These measures are critical to promoting sustainable conflict resolution and long-term stability in land administration.