A Two days countering violent extremism conference that brought together community leaders from all sectors of the Somali community was held in the capital, Mogadishu.
The forum which was organized by Centre for Community Awareness (CCA) was first of its kind held in Somali capital and tackled key issues mainly on how young people can cooperate with security agencies in countering radicalization and preventing recruitment into Al Qaida linked group Al Shabaab and hence terror attacks.
Minister for Internal security,senior officials from Somali Police Force, Intelligence agency, representatives from Women and Youth organizations were present during the community leaders dialogue forum held in Mogadishu hotel.
In the open forum discussion with security officials and Internal Security Minister Abdirizack Mohamed young people cited unemployment, lack of education and poor public relations of the Somali security agencies as main contributing factor into joining armed group Al Shabaab.
Women speakers also decried lack of political representation in government and absence in the security apparatus in the intelligence and district community policing in particular.
The chairman of Centre for Community Awareness (CCA) Mohamed Ibrahim Ali whose organization was the brainchild behind the forum has called upon the government to engage with young people in the country as far as stability,peace and security of Somalia is concerned.
Internal Security Minister Mr. Abdirizack Mohamed who closed the forum commended Centre for Community Awareness (CCA) innitiative while promising to close work with the organization in the near future.
