We mourn the loss of dedicated peacebuilder, Abdi Botan
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our partner and friend, Abdi Ali Botan, who died on Saturday 4th April, 2020, of natural causes.
Category: Somalia
2019: A year in peacebuilding
Looking back at 2019, I am continually impressed by the courage, commitment, and resilience of our partners and thousands of local peacebuilders around the world. As war and violence raged in many places, local people on the frontlines of conflict have saved lives, interrupted cycles of violence, and strengthened the foundations for lasting peace in their societies.
Overall in 2019, Peace Direct supported local peacebuilders in 12 countries to stop violent conflict. Our partners set up local Peace Courts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped children traumatized by Syria’s war and trained Filipino women in conflict resolution, among many other projects.
As the end of the year approaches, we take a moment to look back at some of the key moments in our work and the lives of our partners.
The Challenges of War: A Peace Direct comic book
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
Courageous peacebuilder Abdullahi Isse will be greatly missed
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
Learning from local peacebuilders on International Day of Education
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
We gave birth to peace: Khadija’s Story
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.
Somali Peacebuilders Create Connections in the U.S.
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
Nearly married to a leader of Al-Shabaab: Sahra’s story
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.
“I do not have to rely on humanitarian help any more”
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’s story: how I rebuilt my life after war
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.