If you walk through any town in Somalia today, one thing becomes immediately clear this is a nation of young people. Their energy is visible in the streets, in classrooms, in small businesses, and increasingly, in spaces where conversations about peace and the future are happening. Yet, despite being the majority, many young people still feel unheard when it comes to decisions that shape their lives.
The conversation around Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) is not just a global agenda but it is a lived reality in Somalia. It is about recognizing that young people are not simply affected by conflict, but are central to solving it. And more importantly, it is about creating space for honest, inclusive dialogue.
Moving Beyond Labels
For many years, Somali youth have been described in two ways which are as victims of conflict or as risks to stability. While both narratives hold some truth, they are incomplete. Across Somalia, young people are already doing the work of peacebuilding. They are organizing community dialogues, mediating local disputes, starting initiatives that bring together divided groups, and using creativity through art, media, and entrepreneurship to challenge cycles of violence. Organizations like SOYAL Organization are actively contributing to this effort by creating platforms for youth engagement, dialogue, and leadership in peace processes.
What they often lack is not willingness, but recognition and support.
The Reality Young People Face
To understand the importance of youth in peace and security, it is necessary to acknowledge the challenges they navigate every day.
Unemployment remains one of the biggest concerns. For many young people, especially graduates, the transition from education to employment is uncertain. This frustration can lead to feelings of exclusion and, in some cases, vulnerability to negative influences.
Political spaces also remain limited. Decision-making processes are often dominated by older generations, leaving little room for youth voices. Even when young people are invited into discussions, their participation is sometimes symbolic rather than meaningful.
Access to education, while improving, is still uneven. In rural areas especially, opportunities are limited, and this deepens inequality.
And of course, the broader context of insecurity continues to shape daily life. Many young people grow up in environments where conflict is normalized, yet they still aspire to something better.
Why Dialogue Matters
In a country as complex as Somalia, dialogue is not optional, but it is essential.
Dialogue creates a bridge between generations, between communities, and between citizens and institutions. For young people, it offers something powerful: the chance to be heard. But meaningful dialogue is not just about inviting youth into a room. It is about listening to them seriously, valuing their ideas, and allowing those ideas to influence real outcomes.
When done well, dialogue can reduce mistrust, challenge harmful narratives, and open pathways for collaboration. It can also help young people feel a sense of ownership over peace processes, rather than feeling disconnected from them.
Signs of Hope
Despite the challenges, there are encouraging signs across Somalia.Youth-led organizations are growing in number and impact. From grassroots peace initiatives to digital campaigns promoting unity, young people are finding ways to connect and mobilize. Groups such as SOYAL Organization demonstrate how structured youth engagement can translate into real community impact.
Technology is also playing a role. Social media platforms have become spaces where ideas are shared, discussions are sparked, and awareness is raised. While not without risks, these platforms offer new opportunities for engagement.
There is also increasing recognition both nationally and internationally of the importance of including youth in peace and security efforts. The conversation is shifting, even if slowly.
What Needs to Change
For youth to fully contribute to peace and security in Somalia, several shifts are necessary.
First, inclusion must be genuine. Young people need to be part of decision-making processes not as observers, but as contributors whose voices carry weight. Second, investment in opportunities is critical. Employment, education, and skills development are not just economic issues—they are peacebuilding tools. Third, young women must be at the center of these efforts. Too often, their voices are doubly excluded. Any meaningful YPS approach must ensure their full participation.
Finally, dialogue spaces must be safe, consistent, and accessible. One-off events are not enough. What is needed is ongoing engagement that builds trust over time.
Conclusion
The future of Somalia is not something that will simply happen although it is something that is being shaped every day, and young people are already part of that process.
The question is whether they will be supported, listened to, and trusted to lead.
Youth, Peace, and Security in Somalia is ultimately about one simple but powerful idea when young people are included, peace becomes more possible. Organizations like SOYAL Organization remind us that youth are not waiting for change they are already creating it.