The Somali Development Initiative (SODIN), in collaboration with government officials and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), convened a high-level meeting in Galmudug State to discuss the harmonization of efforts in addressing violent extremism.

The session brought together diverse stakeholders, including government authorities, community leaders, women, and youth representatives. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue, reviewed ongoing interventions, and explored avenues for better coordination to strengthen community resilience against extremist narratives.

Key objectives of the meeting included:

Enhancing collaboration between government and CSOs in PCVE programming.

Aligning local initiatives with state and national strategies.

Building inclusive approaches that engage all segments of society.

The meeting concluded with commitments to develop a joint action framework, ensuring a unified and sustainable response to the drivers of violent extremism in Galmudug.

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Somali Development Initiative (SODIN) conducted a door-to-door awareness campaign to spread peace messages and promote prevention of violent extremism (PVE) within local communities. This grassroots initiative aimed to reach families directly in their homes, fostering trust and encouraging open conversations around peace, security, and community resilience.

Volunteers and youth peace ambassadors distributed written messages promoting tolerance, dialogue, and nonviolence. These letters were carefully crafted in local language to ensure accessibility and impact, highlighting the dangers of radicalization and the role of every household in preventing its spread.

By knocking on doors and engaging residents face-to-face, the campaign strengthened community connections, built awareness at the household level, and empowered families to become part of the broader effort against violent extremism. This personalized, human-centered approach proved effective in reaching those who may not attend public events, and reinforced the idea that peace starts at home.

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In Hudur, Southwest State, Somali Development Initiative (SODIN) organized a community football tournament as part of its efforts to use sports as a tool to address the drivers of violent extremism (VE) among youth.

The event brought together young people from different villages, clans, and backgrounds, fostering social cohesion and mutual respect through teamwork and healthy competition. Beyond the matches, the tournament served as a platform for awareness-raising on the root causes of radicalization, such as marginalization, unemployment, and lack of positive identity.

Short awareness sessions were held before and after games, focusing on the importance of peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and youth responsibility in preventing violent extremism. Community elders, local leaders, and mentors also participated, emphasizing collective action in promoting stability.

The initiative demonstrated that sports can be a powerful, low-cost tool to engage vulnerable youth, reduce tensions, and encourage inclusive dialogue in conflict-affected areas like Hudur.

The post In Hudur, Southwest State, Somali Development Initiative (SODIN) organized a community football tournament as part of its efforts to use sports as a tool to address the drivers of violent extremism (VE) among youth. appeared first on SODIN.

Participants included women leaders, youth mentors, civil society actors, and educators. The sessions explored how women can act as influencers in families and communities, detect early signs of extremism, and promote tolerance through dialogue, education, and support networks. The training also addressed gendered impacts of violent extremism and the importance of inclusive security strategies.

By strengthening women’s voices and capacities in PVE, the initiative aimed to build more resilient, informed, and cohesive communities in the face of ongoing extremist threats.

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Through participatory sessions, the training equipped participants with knowledge and tools to identify early warning signs, promote dialogue, and strengthen community-based prevention efforts. Special focus was placed on empowering local actors to build resilience and lead sustainable, grassroots responses to extremism. The initiative reflects a growing national effort to address VE through inclusive, non-military approaches rooted in social cohesion and peacebuilding.

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