PDRC and Interpeace (IP), as part of their wide multifaceted peace promotion programmes in Puntland, has been conducting, a series of workshops, trainings and other initiatives designed to engage Puntland youth in peace promotion and peace building.

“Youth in Peace building” programme is a new focus area or “Entry Point-(EP)” that has been introduced in Phase II of “Dialogue for Peace” project which is implemented by PDRC with INTERPEACE sponsorship. Some of the other new “Entry Points” of PDRC peace project are “Women in Peace Building”, “Peace Mapping” and others.
The above mentioned PDRC youth activities took place in the following contexts:

• 18/19 November, 2006, two days workshop on the leading theme of “The Role Puntland Youth in Peace-building” for 60 participants from all the 7 regions of Puntland
• 27/28 February, 2007, two days workshop on “Youth in Peace building” for 50 participants from the 7 regions of Puntland.
• 20 May, 2007, training on “Youth Organization Structures” capacity building
• 21 May, 2007, training on “Conflict Resolution & Peace Promotion” capacity building
• 22 May, 2007, introductory Meeting of “Youth Entry Point” and the topic of “Youth from Conflict to Peace”

These activities were the combination of three different kinds of processes:

1. The initial workshops were conceived as preparatory ground work on issues of General interest of youth status, youth organizations, youth organization activities, youth role in peace, challenges faced by youth…

2. The training scheme was intended as capacity building provided to youth as necessary input of conceptual working framework and terminology concerning youth organizational structures, conflict resolution and peace promotion.

3. The last Meeting was an introduction to “Youth in Peace-building” Entry Point in the context of Phase II of “Dialogue for Peace” project. The selected Working Group purpose and its function in respect to the Entry Point were elucidated as well as PAR (Participatory Action Research) methodology and the general PDRC working principles and values.
“Youth from Conflict to Peace” theme was discussed. A working plan of activities was envisaged. Prominent in the working plan is “Puntland Youth Peace Conference” and In this meeting “Youth Peace Manifesto” as well as the implementation of the research theme according to the established methodological and procedural framework practiced by PDRC that embrace and extends from literature review on youth, assessment of youth status, analytical report to final product.

In the context of above activities youth have been given opportunities to sit together, discuss and exchange views among themselves on relevant issues concerning their role in peace-building as well as a platform from where they can bring forward and air their ideas and future plans.

Early observations indicate that more than 60 youth organizations and 3 umbrellas exist in all Puntland’s 7 regions.


Findings and lessons learned from above activities:

What are the main Challenges facing the youth?

1. Widespread poverty and unemployment; lack of education and training skills’ opportunities
2. Absence of common vision and mission within youth organizations; capacity building and financial support constraints
3. Rivalry and competition among youth groups for public attention and resources; poor cooperation between the authorities and youth organization
4. Public underestimation of the role of youth; youth dream and desire to better life in Western countries (abroad)
5. Youth as a vulnerable force to manipulations by clan leaders and politicians and easily mobilized and engaged into conflicts.
6. Youth exclusion from conflict resolutions and reconciliation processes as exclusive dominium of clan leaders/elders.

Why are youth drawn in conflicts?

1. The civil war has created internal youth displacement from territories and regions; youth remained without guidance and direction and facts of war became part of their ordinary life of every day directly or indirectly. Clan warlords and clan politicians took the opportunity to use them for their political ambitions as a formidable army for the conflicts they have been waging.

2. War situations are part of the local culture whether in defense of personal/clan honor, livestock (Camel), and territory or for the sake of political power… or attack as retribution of perceived offense. Courage and strength displayed by men against rivals is the most prestigious way to gain respect and it is as well as means of deterrence. Mobilization of the youth by their clan, parents or families as defending force against other hostile clans is the most important role for youth in the Somali clan system

3. Youth is the major social protagonist involved in conflict situations. It seems that politicians and elders need youth only in war but not in peace process; in fact the warring youth forces are not reconciled when clan elders negotiate and reach peace accords among them. Youth are considered only as part of the problem but not considered or appreciated as part of the solution; they are regularly excluded from the reconciliation processes.
4. Displacement, lack of education services, widespread unemployment…can be considered the primary culprits that make youth inclined to engage in conflicts as option; Lack of awareness in preventing conflicts, marginalization in peace building and negotiations, prolonged situation of lawlessness and anarchy contributed as well to youth attraction to conflict situations

How can youth avoid conflicts?

1. Youth must be made aware, first of all, that taking part to conflicts they might lose their lives or be subjected to injuries or permanent disablement. Youth has nothing to gain from conflict but lose everything.


2. Creation of peace culture involving civil society organizations, media and Somali artists and performers, Creation of job opportunities, education services and skill training, DDR programs

3. Youth must set up strong youth organizations advocating peace policies and carry out public campaigns that are designed to bring young people out of conflicts; Youth and their organizations should explore independent channels for peace dialogue among youth

4. Youth must reclaim from elders and politicians their active role in reconciliation and in peace building; Youth should engage in public denunciation of war and war mongering and issue a peace manifesto

Hassan Aden Mohamed
PDRC Researcher