From community dialogues to environmental peacebuilding, learn more about our work in Somalia.

________________________________________________________________________________

Working towards peace in Somalia

________________________________________________________________________________

Somalia has faced significant challenges in recent years, from violent conflict and structural violence to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. These interconnected issues have deepened instability in the country. Our goal is to create inclusive spaces for peacebuilding that foster lasting change across communities.

Read about our work and how we’ve evolved our approach in the ten years of supporting conflict transformation in the country, as well as reflections from our colleagues who help bring this important work to life.

Celebrating our ten year anniversary

What began as a vision to support the Somali people in navigating the challenges of a changing governance system has since evolved into an extensive programme of supporting impactful conflict transformation initiatives.

Over the years, our work in Somalia has grown from community dialogue and capacity building to more direct engagement in conflict transformation, including fostering sustained dialogues between communities and creating inclusive spaces for peacebuilding. In response to the growing link between climate and conflict, we have also embraced an environmental peacebuilding approach by raising public awareness through radio programmes and addressing tensions in conflict hotspots with climate security action plans.

As we celebrate ten years of engagement in Somalia, it is worth reflecting on the journey, with its various achievements and challenges.

Find out more about our work over the last decade.

Ten years of impact

We supported community representatives in Hirshabelle in their efforts to build peace by creating a network of insider peacebuilders who have the skills and experience to encourage dialogue and reconciliation in their communities.

In order to connect local peacebuilders across the different districts and foster peer exchange, we incorporated a GiS mapping software to create a “peace map” of their activities. This “peace map” functions as a virtual and immersive space to track where and how they engage in conflict transformation activities and exchange on their experiences.

Our radio programme “Garasho-wadaag” increases awareness and brings local peacebuilders together with experts and community members to discuss how environmental degradation exacerbates conflict, and what adaptation measures or coping mechanisms could look like.

Strengthening peace and climate resilience in Jowhar

In partnership with IOM and UNEP, we’re supporting peacebuilders in Jowhar district, Hirshabelle State, to address the interconnected challenges of conflict, climate change, and environmental degradation. Through the participatory development of a Climate Security Action Plan (CSAP), communities are engaging in sustained dialogues to implement locally owned solutions, build resilience and tackle the most urgent climate and conflict-related issues.

Watch the video

Amplifying women’s voices in peacebuilding

Our Somalia Insider Peacebuilder Network (IPN) member in the Galkayo district of Galmudug State Mama Halima Jama has a rich history of leading peacebuilding initiatives in her community. She shares her experiences and why it's important that women are involved in decision-making processes in order to achieve peace.

Watch the video

Our work in Southwest State

As part of our growing engagement in Southwest State, we’re planning a workshop with civil society activists to explore the ethno-ecological dynamics of four key districts. This session will build on previous efforts where participants used photography and dialogue to highlight the work of local peacebuilders. Additionally, strengthening the role of women as agents of peaceful change remains a vital step toward more inclusive peace processes across all three member states where we're active.

SUPPORT US

Invest in peace and help us ensure our impact is sustainable. We are looking for partners to support our work. When you donate to Berghof, you enable us to sustain and expand our work where it is most needed.

Whether through a single donation or recurring contribution, your support gives peace a fighting chance.

Learn more.

Berghof Foundation Operations gGmbH, Lindenstrasse 34, 10969 Berlin, Germany

Data Protection Policy | Imprint | You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter or kindly donated to support our work. If you no longer wish to receive our emails, you can unsubscribe.