Violence Prevention in Southern Somalia

**Livestreaming for this event will be available via Zoom**

New America's International Security Program and Peace Direct invite you to join them for a lunchtime panel discussion on violence prevention in southern Somalia. In March 2019, the capital city of Mogadishu saw seven terrorist attacks by Al-Shabaab in a single week. That, coupled with a recent uptick in counterterrorism ground, air, and drone strikes by the United States in cooperation with the government of Somalia, has called into question what it will take to establish peace in the southern part of the country.

Peace Direct's partner organization in Somalia, Social-Life and Agricultural Development Organization (SADO), has been working in the region for over two decades, looking at sustainable, people and community-centered development.

Topics that will be covered during the session include:

• What are the current obstacles and opportunities for peace in Somalia?
• Perspectives and recommendations from local peacebuilders on advancing peace in Somalia.
• What does practical violence prevention work in Somalia look like?
• What is the role of women in violence prevention?
• What is the role of U.S. policy in Somalia and what are recommendations for improving U.S. engagement?

Introductory Remarks:

Bridget Moix
U.S. Senior Representative and Head of Advocacy, Peace Direct

Panelists:

Isse Abdullahi
Director, Social-Life and Agricultural Development Organization (SADO)

Pauline Muchina
Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee’s Africa region

Brittany Brown
Chief of Staff, International Crisis Group

Moderator:

Melissa Salyk-Virk
Policy Analyst, New America's International Security Program

Lunch will be served at 12:30 PM.

Follow the conversation online using #violenceprevention and following @NewAmericaISP and @peacedirect.