Center for Prevention of Violent Extremism in Somalia– (CPVESOM) WE ARE DEDICATED TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF PEACE AND PREVENT EXTREME VIOLENCE. Through the implementation of peace education, the cultivation of critical thinking skills, effective utilization of communication tools, proactive conflict prevention efforts, and the establishment of valuable livelihood alternatives, we aim to address and mitigate conflicts.
Country profile:
Somalia has been at war since 1991, when clan-based warlords ousted Dictator Siad Barre and then turned on each other. This civil war led to the collapse of the rule of law and governance structures. Consequently, the lawlessness has created a conductive environment for the radicalization and fundamentalism ideologies considerable portion of Somalia has fallen under the control of Al-Shabaab militants, an affiliated terrorist organization of Al-Qaeda. Additionally, other extremist groups have established strongholds in coastal areas of Puntland, such as the Da’esh group connected to ISIS. This situation has posed significant internal and regional security threats, prompting the African Union to deploy security personnel in support of the Somali government. Originally known as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and consisting of 22,000 personnel, the mission was transformed into the Transitional African Union Mission in 2020. Its mandate was to facilitate the transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali authorities within three years.
However, due to the unpreparedness of the Somali government, they requested an extension of the ATMIS mission’s mandate. Consequently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a resolution extending the mandate of ATMIS until the end of 2024. The mission is tasked with taking all necessary measures to support dialogue and reconciliation, including facilitating the participation of political leaders, clan leaders, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society in a national reconciliation congress. This involves providing assistance with free movement, safe passage, and protection for all those involved.
Furthermore, it is essential for the ATMIS mission to incorporate a civilian component that focuses on combating and preventing extremist ideologies through awareness campaigns, training initiatives, and promoting a shift in the mindset of the country’s predominantly young population, who are often the main drivers of conflicts. This approach aligns with the establishment of the Violent Extremism Prevention Program Center for Prevention of Violent Extremism in Somali – (CPVESOM) and is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In respond to the context of Somalia, in 2016 the UN Secretary-General launched the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism in Somalia addressing in a seven intervention priorities that included for the flowing areas 1) dialogue and conflict prevention; 2) good governance, Rule of Law and human rights; 3) engaging communities; 4) empowering youth; 5) gender equality and empowering women; 6) education, skills development and employment facilitation; and 7) strategic communications, the Internet and social media.
The establishment of Center for Prevention of Violent Extremism is rooted in the recognition that addressing youth, peace, and conflict requires a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond simply focusing on employment opportunities. To achieve sustainable peace, it is crucial to ensure that young people have access to essential services, protection, skill development, and meaningful involvement in governance at various levels. The Center for Prevention of Violent Extremism emphasizes the belief that lasting peace and stability in Somalia can be attained through the support and active participation of local communities, employing an approach that is led and owned by Somalis themselves.
About Center for Prevention of Violent Extremism in Somali – (CPVESOM)
CPVE Somalia is a non for profit non- political associations established in 2021, led by youth, Peace, scholars, reactionaries practitioner and international Peace Fellows who believe that equipping young people and communities with knowledge, critical thinking and communication tools, as well strengthening livelihood alternatives can remove the extreme violence and all kinds of domestic violence including bulling and GBVs. The Center is resulted from International Peace Fellowship and Social Change initiatives at Rotary Peace Fellowship.
The Center believes the bower of education to build a positive world and resilience to violent extremist and mitigates the drivers of this phenomenon. The members of the Center are committed to change the mindset of their peers, by addressing the domestic challenges, drivers and bushes to violence extremist through thinking and communication tools (Theory of Constraints) that logically identifies their personal, community and environmental challenges. By providing alternatives to overcome key limitations that inhibit them to from achieving a non-violence, peaceful and better life. Through its work the Center for Prevention of Violent Extremism it equips community sectors of all ages and background with critical thinking tools, skills, knowledge, values and attitudes they need to overcome the challenges and take positive actions against violent.