This comic tells the stories of Ayaan and Abdi, ordinary Somalis whose lives have been affected by the war. They have shown remarkable resilience, bravery and determination in their efforts to build a safe and secure life for themselves and their families. Ayaan was just six years old when the Somali Civil War started. With … Continued
On Friday 12th July, Al-Shabaab attacked a hotel in Kismayo, Somalia where a meeting was taking place between local government officials and civil society leaders to discuss the upcoming elections. 26 people were killed in the attack and tragically one of those killed was Abdullahi Isse (known to us as Isse). Isse was the Executive Director of SADO, local partner of … Continued
Today marks the first ever UN International Day of Education. The day celebrates the role of education in development and is intended to be a demonstration of the world’s commitment to providing quality education for all. Education is a basic human right. But for young people living in countries affected by conflict, attending school is … Continued
Khadija was born in Kismayo, Somalia. Her experience of the Somali civil war helps us to understand the instrumental role played by women in constructing, sustaining, and most importantly resolving conflict. She shares how she has swapped her spot on the battlefield for one at the table of peace.
In May, as the U.S. Congress debated an expansion of its authority to intervene militarily in Somalia, our Somali partners visited Washington and Minnesota to share their innovative peacebuilding work. Isse Abdullahi directs the Social Life and Agricultural Development Organization (SADO), which provides young people with job training and conflict resolution skills. Halima Farah Godane … Continued
Sahra dreamed of an education and a peaceful life from a very young age. But when her father wanted her to marry a militant fighter her dreams were shattered. Faced with no other option, she ran away to a new city. But there her life changed. Now Sahra runs her a small tailoring business with three girls she met on a skills training course. And she is free to plan her own future, away from violence and fighting.
Two years ago, Fartun made the decision to take her three young children and flee their beautiful home. She knew if they stayed, they risked being killed by armed extremists, or succumbing to drought or famine. Despite this, Fartun’s life has been transformed for the better. With a new skillset, Fartun sees hope for her future.
Askiro fled conflict and violence in her home village, just to tragically lose her youngest son to poverty and malnutrition in another. With the help of a local organisation offering skills training and business management support, Askiro has turned the life of her family around.
Against a backdrop of bomb blasts by militant group al-Shabaab, 116 young people in Somalia recently overcame a past torn apart by conflict and clan violence, and now have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
To build peace, we must promote fair and sustainable development that will relieve inequalities. Inequalities can drive and perpetuate conflict, which, in turn, hinders all aspects of development – leaving conflict areas caught in a continuous struggle.