YEEP Somalia Engages in National Discussions on Community Resilience and Preventing Violent Extremism

On the 11th and 12th of March, the YEEP Alumni Somalia team attended a crucial meeting organized by Xarunta Qaran ee Tubsan, focused on community engagement in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). The discussions centered on identifying the specific needs of communities affected by violent extremism and exploring ways to enhance their resilience. A key focus was understanding the root causes that make individuals vulnerable to radicalization, such as unemployment, marginalization, and lack of access to education. The meeting also examined effective community-led interventions to address these issues, ensuring that local voices and experiences shaped the strategies used in PCVE efforts.
Another important theme of the meeting was the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in PCVE. Civil society plays a critical role in bridging the gap between communities and policymakers, providing early warning mechanisms, support networks, and capacity-building programs that strengthen local resilience. Discussions emphasized collaborative approaches between governments, CSOs, and local leaders to create sustainable, community-driven solutions. By bringing together various stakeholders, the meeting reinforced the importance of inclusive, human-rights-based approaches in PCVE, ensuring that efforts to prevent violent extremism are effective, culturally sensitive, and community-owned.