Paving the Path to Peace Workshop for Somalia’s Future

By ANPPCANSOM 

From 17 to 19 August 2024, ANPPCAN-SOM participated in a seminal review workshop held at the Jazeera Hotel, Mogadishu. This will not be just another meeting but an important step toward understanding and addressing deep-rooted conflicts that have haunted our Somalia for too long.

The workshop brought together a number of committed actors, notably the Ministry of Interior of the Federal Government of Somalia, the Ministry of Interior of the Southwest State, and our partners at UNDP. Our mission was clear: to analyze how we can realize sustainable peace in Somalia and, together, develop a Conflict Navigator—a critical data collection system that will further aid us in our understanding and dealing with these conflicts.

A United Effort toward Peace

For a country with the troubled history of protracted conflict, any such quest for peace remains multi-dimensional, very complex, and daunting. Yet, for me, this workshop was a very strong reminder of what leaders, organizations, and communities can stand as one: propensity for actual movement toward progress. Development of Conflict Navigator stands not only for what is technically achievable but encapsulates our shared commitment to engender enduring peace among all Somalis.

Why This Matters

The pursuit of peace is not an easy ideal for those who have made Somalia their home; it is personal and urgent. The conflict hurt every family, every community. We believe in the pain, the loss, and the longing for a brighter, more stable future. The workshop was another step to attain that future.

It shall be on the basis of understanding the root causes of conflict and developing effective strategies for its resolution that we shall strive to see that future generations grow in a Somalia where peace is the custom, not an exception. In that journey, where we have to collect and analyze data in guiding efforts toward lasting peace, the Conflict Navigator shall be imperative.

Looking Forward with Hope

As we reflect on the outcomes of this workshop, a lot of hope and renewed determination is derived. Long is the road to peace, but one which, according to the participants, we are all ready to walk. We are sure that with the invaluable support of our partners at UNDP and collaboration from our government, a peaceful Somalia is not a dream anymore.

ANPPCAN-SOM will not stop participating in this very important work. We call for peace, reconciliation, and unity in every corner of our nation. We invite you to share in this journey that lies ahead. We want to build a future wherein peace is not a dream but real for everyone.

Stay connected as we do this important work, and let us keep alive in our hearts the hope for Somalia to be at peace. With every step together, we draw closer to that great future we all deserve and desire.