This study explores the causes of conflict in South Central Somalia. It further proposes a hybrid approach towards the conflict resolution mechanism. In Somalia, Al-Shabaab, thriving on a narrative of Islamic jihad and an Islamic caliphate expansion ideology, has made the area haven of perennial and incessant conflict. The stem of conflict can be traced to the poor governance of President Barres’ Regime that culminated in his overthrow and the subsequent collapse of the State. Despite numerous political, diplomatic, and military efforts to resolve the conflict in South Central regions of Somalia, there seems to be no proper solution attained yet. This paper uses a descriptive survey design. The researcher targeted the Somali population residing in the South Central Somali region, AMISOM security forces, Government officials, local women leaders and religious leaders and the youth. Data was collected using questionnaires, observations and focus group discussions and then analyzed using content analysis and statistical software. The paper found out that the Somalia problem is a function of a multiplicity of political, economic, religious and environmental causes that resulted in spiraling of the conflict through corresponding reaction for each conflict and/or conflict causative action. This paper thus calls for an overhaul of the existing peace processes with an emphasis on a peace process which is a hybrid of top-down and bottom-up approaches to ensure lasting peace in Somalia.

Keywords : Conflict, Resolution, Governance, Grassroots.