Visual frames of resilience: Crisis history's influence in the visual representation of post-conflict Somalia.

This article examines how multimodal media visually frame Somalia's post-crisis narrative, comparing local, national, and international sources. It finds that Somali social media influencers and local media predominantly depict Somalia's past as peaceful and emphasize themes of resilience, renewal, and normal life, while international media, exemplified by BBC Somalia, focus more on future-oriented narratives that highlight international involvement and institutional peace efficacy. The study reveals a divergence in agency attribution, with local sources centering Somali government and community roles in peacebuilding, whereas international outlets emphasize external support, reflecting lingering post-colonial biases. Notably, all sources tend to minimize visual representations of Somalia's conflict history and victim experiences, raising concerns about the exclusion of these perspectives in peace and renewal journalism. The research underscores the importance of constructive visual framing that supports local voices and fosters empathy to aid Somalia's post-conflict recovery.