Somalia

Prevention Meeting at Quaker House 2011

QUNO Representative Sarah Clarke with visiting Chinese scholars to the UN in New York (credit: Jason Tower)

The prevention of violent conflict is one of the principal charter objectives of the UN, yet the prevention discussion remains fragmented and lacking in focus. QUNO continues to raise awareness about local peacemaking initiatives in Myanmar and encourages a balanced approach to the region. The work with China and with other ‘rising power’ Member States continues to make significant progress. QUNO has been an active participant in policy discussions about the future direction of work on the prevention of violent conflict at the UN.

Soldier carries water

A Ugandan soldier serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) carries water through the grounds of Mogadishu University. AMISOM forces captured the strategically important university following a major joint offensive against Al Shabaab. (23 January 2012, Mogadishu, Somalia. Source: UN News & Media)

A delegation from the Life & Peace Institute, Nairobi, and the Kroc Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame traveled to Washington, DC, and New York in March to present a recent joint publication, Somalia: Creating Space for Fresh Approaches to Peacebuilding. QUNO was delighted to host their visit in New York. Over the course of two days, Quaker House provided a welcoming venue for our visitors to share their publication with UN colleagues and offer fresh perspectives and alternative approaches to conflict resolution in Somalia.

Traditional leaders from Cameroon

Traditional leaders traveled to Nairobi to take part in an AFSC meeting on their role in dispute management. Participants included Fon Fobuzie Martin B. Asanji (left) and Fon Ngwefuni Fransua Nono (right) from northwest Cameroon and Dr. Chief Atem-Ebako Bisong from southwest Cameroon.

Maintaining peace is among the main roles played by traditional elders in many African societies. Their influence goes a long way in resolving disputes between family members, within and among communities, and occasionally across state lines.

But as the nature of conflict changes, their ability to lead effectively is threatened.

Maimuna Farah Samatar (right)

Image Available on Flickr

Maimuna Farah Samatar (right)

When a job offer brought Maimuna Farah Samatar back to her birthplace, the Galkacyo Mudug Region in Somalia’s Puntland State, she saw an additional opportunity to serve those who were most affected by the local conflicts—the women and children.

Long term future of Somalia in debate, but violence, disease and hunger still a daily reality for local communities.

15 relief agencies warn humanitarian needs in Somalia must not be ignored as over 2 million still in dire need of assistance

28th of May, 2012

Dekha Ibrahim Abdi

Dekha during a meeting with AFSC staff in Philadelphia.

See more photos of Dekha.

It is with profound sorrow that we share the news of the death of a beloved friend and colleague, Dekha Ibrahim Abdi, internationally known and honored peace-builder and activist. Dekha died July 14, 2011 from injuries incurred in a vehicle accident that killed her husband at the site last week. They leave behind four children.

DEP Mediation Group Photo

Group of participants in the workshop on Mediation.

“Mediation is one way of dealing with conflicts non-violently. On the spectrum of force to reconciliation – this is the ultimate goal of our continent. When we use force we suppress conflict, we do not resolve the conflict, in reality we are putting off the conflict for the future. Reconciliation is what we inspire to do. It is our vision; it is a mechanism for avoiding future conflicts.” These were words from John Katunga, a presenter during the Mediation DEP, and also a native from the Democratic Republic of Congo.