The activities implemented so far have also provided an opportunity for people from the two communities to come together and rehabilitate canal infrastructure in their area.
“After the events and dialogues took place, things changed. Children play together, youth hold football competitions, and the relationship between the youth and children of the two communities has improved,” says Yusuf.
But the transformation goes beyond basic services. Community reconciliation activities have also had a significant effect on the youth. Weeks after attending the first joint discussion, they organized a football competition which later on led to discussions on businesses ideas.
“I always dreamt of playing football with other young people from Buufow, but the deep-rooted conflicts in our communities never allowed this to happen,” said Mohamud, a 23-year-old football enthusiast from Shalambod.
The transformation of the two villages has brought about a reduction in hate, fear of revenge killings, and old grievances, opening possibilities for a brighter future for the youth and the wider community.
The PIAP project is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with funding from The UN Peacebuilding Fund.
For more information, please contact the IOM Somalia Media and Communications team: [email protected]
