Publication

This report provides insights into the transnational political engagements of Somalis in Norway and focuses on their financial contributions. The authors first provide a background for the study by outlining the state-of-the-art of research on political transnationalism; discussing study set-up; and introducing a brief overview of the position of Somalis in Norway. Then they discuss the political level to which the remittances are geared, distinguishing between nationalist support; the Transitional Federal Government and the Islamic Courts Union (TFG-ICU) support; and contributions to conflict and reconciliation on the (sub-)clan level. Finally they outline alternative engagements with political implications such as remittances sending activities that are not directed to overtly political causes and lobbying within Norwegian institutes.