Somalia

Where We Work

Somalia

Context

Somalia is currently ranked 3 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2022. Over the past year, Somalia has been characterised by political tension amid delayed elections, Al Shabaab territorial gains, a humanitarian crisis, and the planned withdrawal of the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Al Shabaab, who remain in control of much of Middle Juba, and parts of lower Juba and Gedo, and the Islamic State in Somalia, active in Puntland and Mogadishu, have taken advantage of political tensions and increasing their attacks. During 2021, Al Shabaab captured new territories, shifting its military focus towards the control of major supply routes in efforts to expand its revenue base through tax levies.

The humanitarian situation deteriorated considerably during the reporting period due to worsening droughts. Jubaland, where GCERF projects operate, is worst hit by the drought. The loss of livestock has potential long-term socioeconomic impacts could strengthen Al Shabaab recruitment.

Pathways to Change

GCERF activities in Somalia currently focus on empowering youth and women, whose exclusion from political and community processes is a driver of recruitment into violent extremist groups. GCERF invests in programmes designed to:

Train youth and women on civic rights and responsibilities, improving their knowledge of political processes and capacity for advocacy.
Provide in-depth knowledge of legal rights, including human rights frameworks, enabling them to act as local advocates and human rights defenders.
Engage in lobbying and discussions with whole communities to negotiate spaces for the engagement of youth and women in decision-making processes.
Support the creation of two organisations representing the interests of youth and women, which will be helped to obtain their own funding following the end of the project.

Social Cohesion

Community Agency

Support two youth and women’s organisations to represent their interests, and the interests of their communities, to local decision-makers.
Training 600 youth and women in civic rights and responsibilities to improve their capacity to hold government leaders and decision-makers to account.
100 trainees will benefit from in-depth training in legal rights, advocacy, and human rights frameworks, enabling them to act as local change agents and human rights advocates.