MOGADISHU, Somalia – On Sunday, TUBSAN National Center organized a key dialogue centered on the vital role of Somali youth in preventing and countering violent extremism.
The gathering united top government officials, security heads, youth representatives, and policy specialists, all stressing that Somalia’s enduring stability hinges on empowering its youth, eradicating extremist ideologies, and bolstering unified national initiatives with broad civil society involvement.
Launching the proceedings, TUBSAN Director Ali Yasin Gurbe pointed to the substantial advances achieved by the government and its allies in undermining terrorist operations.
“A sustained effort to isolate the terrorists has been mounted. Their accounts closed, illicit maritime extortion rings disrupted, and financial lifelines severed. This isolation will persist until the danger is fully eradicated,” he noted.
Gurbe emphasized that combating extremism extends beyond military action to ideological, psychological, technological, and economic fronts demanding broad societal participation, especially from youth.
Representing the Prime Minister’s Office, State Minister Hirsi Gaani recognized the threats from extremist networks deeply embedded in Somali communities.
“The militants analyzed us closely; they planted their seeds among us. Yet we have initiated a battle against them and will press on until they and their ideology are eradicated. We seek to forge a Somalia devoid of extremism, terrorism, and violence,” he added.
Gaani highlighted that overcoming extremism entails uprooting its ideological foundations and fortifying community strength in tandem with security measures.
Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Abdullahi Ali stressed protecting Somalia’s youth who form over 70% of the population from manipulation by providing real prospects.
“The nation is the youth’s. They deserve equity and equitable chances to prevent grievances from driving them to extremists,” he declared.
He confirmed the government’s dedication to broadening education, jobs, and leadership avenues for young Somalis.
Somali Military Court Chairman Hassan Ali Nur (Shute) issued a stark caution to extremists, asserting their goal of turning Somalia into a refuge would fail.
“Al-Shabaab and ISIS are terrorists advancing foreign interests. Global terrorists are outlaws without refuge. They cannot exploit our land as a haven,” he said.
Shute indicated that Somalia’s security bodies are ramping up collaboration and intelligence exchange to close lingering gaps.
Presidential Youth Advisor Hani Abdi Gaas encouraged Somali youth to pursue innovation, creativity, and self-reliance.
“Youth, advance your visions. Do not depend on others for openings. Efforts are underway to secure merit-based employment free from clan bias and ensure impartial hiring,” she urged.
Her words struck a chord, tackling persistent issues of fairness, graft, and opportunity access.
Directorate head at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Ibrahim Adam Ibrahim, cautioned that lacking organized national youth initiatives exposes many to risks.
“Youth possess vigor and aspirations, yet miss direction, expertise, and formal programs. This gap breeds disarray and susceptibility to perilous groups like extremists,” he added.
He advocated sustained funding for mentoring, skill development, and community-focused religious instruction.
Former Deputy Defence Minister and MP Abdifitah Qasim argued that tackling radicalization demands probing its origins.
“The drivers propelling youth to extremism require deep analysis, with remedies identified. Equity stands central. Perceived injustice fosters resentment and resentment fuels extremism,” he continued.
He called for tighter alignment among government bodies for cohesive, potent approaches.
The forum included a dynamic panel debate, with experts and attendees devising tangible ways to bolster youth resistance to extremist sway. The crowd, mainly vibrant young men and women, influenced the discourse via probing, perceptive queries showcasing their insight, worries, and resolve to aid national security. Their lively input enriched the discussion and echoed the forum’s key theme: Somali youth are vital allies, not just policy beneficiaries, in crafting a secure, peaceful tomorrow.
A unifying theme prevailed: Somalia’s route to vanquishing extremism involves uplifting its youth, upholding justice, and enhancing national synergy. Contributors noted that radicalization flourishes amid scarce opportunities, frail institutions, and absent justice. Remedying these drivers and integrating youth will shrink the ideological terrain extremists target.
Gurbe wrapped up by noting TUBSAN’s forum as a key advance in a society-wide strategy against extremism grounded in unity, data-driven policies, and collective Somali fortitude.
