‘In Somalia, land issues are particularly complex. Those involved in both policy and practice need to understand this complexity better if durable political solutions are to be identified and property rights for individuals and communities secured. Lee Cassanelli explains…
RVI publishes books, research reports, research papers, briefings and meeting reports in a range of formats. Publications cover policy, research, arts, culture and local knowledge in the countries of eastern and central Africa. Research publications—books, reports and papers—are peer-reviewed. Some RVI publications are also available in French and/or Arabic.
The RVI is a signatory of the Budapest Open Access Initiative (2001); all publications are free for download in PDF format under Creative Commons licences. The views expressed in books and reports published by the RVI are those of the authors, not the Institute.
SEARCH
PUBLICATION TYPE
LANGUAGE
REGION
COUNTRY

- By Nanjala Nyabola
- Download
Key points • A sudden, forced repatriation of Dadaab’s 350,000 Somalis would violate Kenyan and international law, could destabilize Somalia and ultimately undermine Kenyan security. • Although Kenya will not forcibly repatriate Dadaab’s Somali residents, the government’s policy is…
‘The information in the report is accurate and ‘spot on’ … there is a lot to learn from this important issue.’ SUAD IBRAHIM ABDI, PROGRESSIO, SOMALILAND ‘The study is unique in the research questions it raises and in the…
‘This study provides an interesting and unusual insight into the state-building process in Somaliland. Taking Zaad—our everyday companion here in Somaliland—Iazzolino explores the intricate nature of private and public sector relations. Vividly mapping the landscape of the mobile money…
‘This study uses the concept of extraversion to show how different Somali actors—who do not share the statebuilding vision of international donors— have successfully used externally driven peacebuilding and statebuilding projects to their advantage. Moving away from established narratives…
‘Xogta ku jirta warbixntu waa dhab iyo ‘xaqiiqo’…waxa jira wax badan oo arintan laga baranayo.’ SUCAAD IBRAAHIM, PROGRESSIO, SOOMAALILAAND ‘Daraasaddani waa mid gaar ah sababtuna waa su’aasha laga duulayo, waxana taa kasii muhiimsan, waa jiritaanka iyo muhiimadda wixii ka…
‘The conference has put into perspective what stabilization means in South Sudan as opposed to what it means in Somalia and in the DRC. And putting my own insights on stabilization alongside those of the speakers here has given…
‘Waa sheeko ka mid ah kuwii ugu xiisaha badnaa ee aan la kulmo, oo ka warramaysa waayoaragnimada qurbaawi Soomaali ah, oo ka raadsanaya meel kale, nolol aayatiin dhaanta tan aan xasilloonayn ee geyiga Soomaalida. Akhriskeedu waxa uu ii noqdey…
In recent years Somalia has earned the ignominy of being ranked ‘one of the worst places in the world to be a woman’, the worst place on Earth to be a mother and ‘one of the worst places in the world…
‘A valuable contribution to the study of borderlands and state formation. It will be of great interest to students, scholars, policymakers and donors.’ REDIE BEREKTEAB, NORDIC AFRICA INSTITUTE, UPSSALA ‘An ethnographic study of two Somali clans with in-depth analyses of…
Recent Publications

Enhancing the Role of Borderland Communities in Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy
October 15, 2025
Ethiopia’s borderland communities (BLCs) have historically influenced the country’s relations with its neighbours. These peripheral regions often serve as hubs for cross-border trade, repositories of natural resources and, at times, flashpoints of conflict. Surrounded by six neighbouring countries – Djibouti,

Women in the Social Sciences and Humanities in Ethiopia: The case of Addis Ababa University
October 10, 2025
This preliminary assessment is part of the launch exercise of the Ethiopian Women Researchers’ Network (EWNET). Focusing on Addis Ababa University as a pioneering higher institution in the country, the study looks into the status of women within these disciplines
Iddir in Contemporary Social Science and Humanities Research in Ethiopia: Historicizing and theorizing local infrastructures of care
October 3, 2025
The second Ethiopian Women Researchers Network (EWNET) seminar was delivered by Desalegn Amsalu, Anteneh Tesfaye, Yasmin Bushra and Helen Zeru on 3 July 2025 at Addis Ababa University’s Alle School of Fine Arts & Design. EWNET SEMINAR SERIES REPORT The