The Somali government has announced the convening of a high-level coordination forum aimed at combating deep-rooted extremism and radical ideologies through broad community mobilization and ideological engagement, rather than relying solely on military campaigns. This high-level summit, held on Thursday in the capital, Mogadishu, was led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, with the goal of complementing battlefield victories with lasting peace.
Organized by the National Center for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (TUBSAN), the forum brought together security officials, international partners, and civil society representatives. The primary focus of the meeting was to strengthen national capabilities to counter extremist narratives before they take root in the community.
It was emphasized that extensive construction work will be carried out to save youth, who are the primary targets of terrorist groups. The Deputy Prime Minister urged that the government prioritize grassroots awareness initiatives to dismantle the methods militant groups use to recruit youth through deceptive messaging and economic incentives.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama praised the successes achieved by the Somali security forces on the front lines but stressed that lasting stability can only be ensured when radical ideologies are dismantled at the community level.
He informed participants that “building a generation free from the influence of extremism is the primary mission of our government.” This forum is part of the “Whole Government Approach” strategy Somalia has adopted to eradicate Al-Shabaab, which aims to weaken the group by targeting not only its military strength but also its financial sources, social influence, and ideological foundations.
By coordinating across the sectors of security, religious affairs, education, and economic development, efforts are being made to uproot the causes that incite extremism. TUBSAN Director Ali Yasin Gurbe stated that fighting extremism has psychological, technological, and economic dimensions beyond military action.
State Minister Hirsi Gaani emphasized that extremism can be defeated by increasing community strength and destroying the foundations of radicalism. International diplomats and representatives of counter-extremism institutions attending the forum praised the proactive approach Somalia is following.
In particular, it was noted that the recently signed bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia will play a major role in expanding moderate Islamic teachings and ensuring that mosques remain centers of peace and social cohesion. It was also stated that work will continue to ensure the direct participation of community leaders, women’s groups, and the local business community in the process of preventing extremism, including creating job opportunities for youth and reintegrating those who have returned from extremist ideologies back into society.
This coordination platform is aligned with the key goals set by the “DanQaran” government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. As the government stated in its report on activities carried out from 2022 to 2025, security sector reform and fighting terrorism are the main pillars of the administration.
The TUBSAN center, established in October 2023, is performing effective work in formulating national strategies and coordinating international support. Observers state that Thursday’s forum shows the journey Somalia has begun to stabilize the country sustainably and hand over a better country to the next generation through a mindset beyond war.
At the conclusion of the forum, it was stated that the government will continue to strengthen the work of making sure extremism does not raise its head again in Somalia by accompanying military victory on the front lines with an ideological struggle.
