Dialogue in the Somali Conflict Zone: As One Whose Fate Has Been Challenged

  I currently belong to the NPO ACCEPT International, where I support the rehabilitation of young people who were part of terrorist organizations in Somalia, a country on the east coast of Africa. My work involves engaging in dialogue with youth involved in these organizations and approaching them to help them leave extremist groups. We also provide comprehensive support to guide them toward social independence, including vocational training and literacy education.  

  I met Mr. Nagai, the representative of ACCEPT International, in the spring of my first year of university. When I heard about their activities, I strongly felt that they were doing something essential. While refugee support is provided worldwide, there can be no true resolution unless the “conflict” itself is eliminated. During my second year of university, I traveled twice to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Somalia’s neighboring country. In my third year, I took a one-year leave of absence and, based again in Nairobi, engaged in support activities for Somalia.  

  After returning to Japan, I joined Professor Sugiki’s seminar and deepened my studies on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Africa. Then, in 2021, after graduating from university, I joined ACCEPT International as a full-time staff member. Why do they fight? What do they want to convey? Simply negating them does not work. This is because they have been educated to believe they are warriors for peace. However, I can tell them that even if the goal is one, there are other means to achieve it.