Our Activities in Somalia
①De-radicalization and social reintegration programs for defectors and prisoners of former extremist groups
In the capital city of Somalia, Mogadishu, we offer sessions for de-radicalization and assist in rehabilitation programs implemented by the local government thereby encouraging their social reintegration.
In Somalia, we have not seen any signs of a process to peacebuilding, much less peace agreements or ceasefire agreements. It can well be said that the country is not suffering from post-war crises, but rather the conflict itself has in fact been ongoing, what is worse, even more active than before. Under such a circumstance, social reintegration of the defectors and prisoners is extremely difficult, hence further strategic action is necessary. Developing a framework called DRR (Disengagement, Re-Insertion, Reintegration), Accept International implements various programs in prisons and rehabilitation centers.
Moreover, as these projects aim to draw further defection from Al-Shabaab, we are cooperating with the outreach team of the Somali government to support their improvement of tactics to produce more defectors.
②Projects to prevent youths from radicalization
Following a request from UN-HABITAT (United Nations Human Settlements Programme), we have collaborated with them in establishing the “One Stop Youth Resource Centre Project” at Mandera, situated on the border of Somalia and Kenya. This institution aims to prevent violent extremism and the radicalization of youths. Despite the fact that Mandera is a hotspot for recruiters of Al-Shabaab, imposing a great threat for young people to be radicalized, it has long been overlooked due to its geographic location and heavy attack from Al-Shabaab
Based on the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with UN-HABITAT, we have been working as their IP (Implementing Partner) of the project, offering ToT(Training of Trainers), specialized workshops, creating modules within the project as well as the development and sharing of a model of ‘Best Practices’