In Somalia, a country affected by protracted conflict, we focus on supporting the disengagement, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of young people formerly associated with non-state armed groups. Many of these young individuals were recruited as child soldiers and come from contexts shaped by complex and intersecting factors. By supporting them as they lay down their weapons and embark on new life paths, we aim to break the cycle of violence in Somalia.
After more than two decades of prolonged conflict and institutional fragility in Somalia, the country continues to endure insecurity and violence even after the establishment of a formal government. Youth are often forced to join non-state armed groups due to coercion, abduction, poverty and so on. Once they have joined, disengaging from these organizations becomes extremely difficult, leading to a cycle of violence that further amplifies damage and animosity within society.
We support youth defecting from non-state armed groups and provide rehabilitation and reintegration for defectors. Our programme includes psychosocial counselling, vocational training, basic education, structured case management, interfaith and community dialogue sessions, and reintegration support. We also foster reconciliation by creating community dialogue sessions and engaging youth in humanitarian aid for victims, aiming to break the cycle of hatred from the frontlines of conflict.
Since starting our activities in Somalia, we have supported the disengagement of 525 young former combatants from armed groups, provided rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to over 2,850 young people. These efforts are essential for addressing the root causes of conflict, rather than being limited to symptomatic approaches such as militarized responses. By supporting former combatants to become agents of peace, we can contribute to the realization of sustainable peace in Somalia.
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