Somalia

  1. Home
  2.   / Somalia
Visuel avec couleur mauve vif
East and Southern Africa

SOMALIA

GCERF became active in Somalia in 2021 and has invested USD 5 million in 15 civil society organisations to support community-based efforts to prevent violent extremism. 

  • locationCreated with Sketch Beta.
  • Bakool
  • Bay
  • Lower Shabelle
Background and Context
Country Snapshot
Key Results
Investment Strategy
Background & Context

Understanding Violent
 Extremism in Somalia

For decades, Somalia has faced persistent threats from terrorism and violent extremism, largely driven by the continued presence of Al-Shabaab, prolonged political instability, weak state institutions, and limited access to services in many parts of the country. These factors have contributed to insecurity, displacement, and reduced trust in government institutions, creating conditions that extremist groups continue to exploit. Despite notable progress over the past five years, VE and terrorism continue to pose significant threats to human and national security in the country. According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, Somalia ranks seventh among countries most affected by terrorism globally.

GCERF'S UNIQUE INVESTMENT MODEL

Country
 Support Mechanism

GCERF pioneers a unique model of investment designed to promote a whole-of-society approach and ensure the sustainability of our programmes. Under this model, in each partner country, we support national governments in establishing a steering committee called the Country Support Mechanism (CSM).

In Somalia, the CSM is chaired by the Tubsan National Centre for PCVE. GCERF is collaborating with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States (FMS) of Hirshabelle and South West to support the implementation of Somalia’s National Strategy on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE). Our current focus is on reducing factors that contribute to VE by enhancing community resilience, especially in areas recently liberated.

Download Country Snapshot
Key Drivers of Violent Extremism
Limited economic opportunities

High poverty and unemployment leave many youth without viable livelihoods, increasing their vulnerability to recruitment by non-state armed groups, including VE organisations.

Perceived marginalisation

Feeling of exclusion can weaken trust in state institutions and increase vulnerability to extremist narratives that exploit grievances and claims of injustice.

Governance and security challenges

Violent extremism (VE) is strongly linked to weak state institutions and limited government presence across much of the territory. These governance gaps reduce access to basic services and security, creating space for armed groups to operate.

Results at a Glance

Key Results

Total amount invested (USD)
$ 0 M
Grants
0
Civil society organisations
0
Young people at-risk of radicalisation actively engaged through youth clubs to strengthen cohesion and peacebuilding
0 +
Local leaders and young people-at risk of radicalisation trained in conflict management to address grievances before VE groups can exploit them
0 +
Government officials and community members participated in community dialogues and mediation sessions to strengthen peacebuilding and reconciliation mechanisms
0 +
Conflict-affected youth have received counselling and psychosocial support to help them heal and prevent them from involving in armed conflicts
0 +

Investment & grant figures updated May 2026 · Programme results updated December 2025

Our Approach

Investment Strategy
 in Somalia

admin-ajax
Improve socio-economic opportunities for young people and women who are at-risk of radicalisation and/recruitment by violent extremist groups
Asset-10@600x
Support the rehabilitation and reintegration of disengaged former members of VE groups
Community trust icon
Increase positive engagement between members of different groups through improved effectiveness of conflict prevention and reconciliation mechanisms
Our IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

Active Grants
 in Somalia

Current Grants 1 Active
01 Somali Institute for Development Research and Analysis (SIDRA)
▼
Grant Overview
Amount
USD 250,000
Duration
Jan 2026 – Dec 2027
Implementing Partners
Principal Recipient
Somali Institute for Development Research and Analysis (SIDRA)
Sub-Recipients
Climate and Health Connect (CHC)
Programme Objectives
1
Conduct in-situ monitoring of hard-to-reach areas and establish a complementary remote monitoring system.
2
Facilitate and provide support to in-person knowledge-sharing events.
3
Undertake rapid needs assessments (RNAs) to inform decision-making by the Somalia Country Support Mechanism (CSMs).
Areas of Implementation
South West Hirshabelle
Stay Connected

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get updates on GCERF’s work, country programmes, impact stories and new publications directly in your inbox.
Subscribe now
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time.