Somalia has been significantly affected by prolonged insecurity and violent extremism (VE). According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, Somalia was assessed to be the seventh most affected country by terrorism. Although there has been significant progress over the past five years, terrorism, one of the most common manifestations of VE, remains a predominant threat to human and national security in the country.

In Somalia, the drivers behind violent extremism are complex, but three of the most widely identified are: perceptions of marginalisation, limited economic opportunities and governance and security challenges. GCERF began investing in the country in 2021 and till date USD 5 million has been invested to address these drivers and strengthen community resilience against violent extremism.