In Abudwak, Galmudug State, Somalia, Somali Peace Line (SPL), in partnership with the Life & Peace Institute and with support from the European Union in Somalia, organized a vibrant debate forum under the project Youth in the Lead.
The event convened 30 participants—including youth, community leaders, and local authorities—for a dynamic dialogue on the role of young people in promoting peace, fostering reconciliation, and contributing to community development.
Key Highlights from the Forum
Nadir Abdikarin, a representative of the local administration, underscored the pivotal and diverse contributions of youth in advancing peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. He remarked:
“Youth are always on the frontlines. They raise peace awareness, engage with communities, fight against discrimination, advocate for minority rights, promote inclusivity, and actively participate in peace dialogues and local leadership. They also contribute to community development and discourage harmful behaviors such as drug use.”
He also highlighted some pressing challenges:
“Unfortunately, some youth are misled into participating in negative activities such as clan conflicts and drug trafficking. This must be addressed through targeted empowerment and guidance.”
Farhia Jayte, a member of the City Council, emphasized the growing influence of youth in governance structures:
“Most city council members are young and represent various sub-clans. This reflects increasing recognition of the leadership potential among youth. With their familiarity with modern technologies and global perspectives, young people are uniquely positioned to tackle today’s community challenges.”
Forum Recommendations
Participants of the forum proposed several key recommendations to strengthen youth empowerment across Somalia:
– Ensure youth representation at all levels of leadership and decision-making.
– Promote active youth involvement in peacebuilding processes and community initiatives.
– Develop employment opportunities tailored to young people.
– Dismantle structural barriers such as nepotism and age-based exclusion.
– Foster youth leadership within public institutions across all tiers of government.
The forum reaffirmed the immense potential of Somali youth to cultivate a more inclusive and peaceful society. With sustained investment and meaningful engagement, young people can lead the charge for long-term reconciliation and development in Galmudug and beyond.
