#midaynta

Last Day in Mogadishu

I spent my final day in Mogadishu with European and Somali diplomats, discussing the outcomes of the Midaynta peace conference.

Francesca Di Mauro, the EU Ambassador to Somalia, met with my colleagues and me, on democratic development and youth inclusion.

These are especially urgent issues, amidst Somalia’s contested efforts to implement universal adult suffrage.

The leadership of Somalia’s diplomatic corps later invited me to address them on reestablishing the country’s place in the international system.

Opening the Midaynta Peace Conference

I thank the people and government of Somalia for having me deliver the opening keynote at the Midaynta peace conference.

We contend with difficult questions:

❦ balancing federal powers;

❦ corruption;

❦ gender equality;

❦ inter- and intra-clan competition;

❦ unemployment;

❦ radicalisation.

Somalia has a long path to travel, to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous democracy.

2022 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

I am speaking at Midaynta Community Services' event on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The day was chosen by the United Nations to memorialise the Sharpeville Massacre of anti-apartheid protestors.

Midaynta's motto is the suitably inspiring Somali proverb, “If people come together, they can even mend a crack in the sky.”

Midaynta 2021 AGM

I have always been impressed by Midaynta Community Services, especially in its work on gang diversion, countering gun violence, and bringing communities and police together.

I participated in its AGM yesterday, and enjoyed speaking with Ahmed Hussen, Minister for Families, Children, and Social Development.

It reflected well on him that he remained for the entire event: he clearly came to listen, and not just to speak.

Youth Resilience and Counter-Radicalisation

I am looking forward to speaking at Midaynta's conference next week, on building youth resilience and preventing violent radicalisation.

Midaynta was created by the Somali-Canadian community in 1993. Since then, it has developed an impressive cadre of programmes, especially in: youth mentorship; combatting poverty, social exclusion, and the roots of violence; gang diversion and rehabilitation; and counter-radicalisation.

Its community-led social development work is a model for countries around the world.