Roundtable Media for Change Forum discusses Role of the media in Countering Youth Radicalization
Mogadishu, November 25, 2014-A highly participatory and interactive roundtable discussion focused on the Media role in Countering youth radicalization, which attracted more than 40 people drawn from the media professionals, civil society leaders, government representatives was held in Mogadishu’s Jazeera Hotel on November 23, 2014.
The forum, which was co-organized by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the Somali Independent Houses Association (SIMHA) and supported by the Center for Community Awareness (CCA), aimed to gather ideas and enhance the knowledge and awareness of how media and the civil society leaders can counter the violent ideologies in grassroots efforts by helping the communities better understand and protect themselves. It also gives an important platform for exchanging knowledge and experience on how media leaders and civil society activists can contribute not only to countering the radicalization, but also to lay the foundation for reconciliation and durable peace in the country.
The panelists of the forum included Abdihakim Ainte – social media activist, Abukar Albadri – Journalist/activist, Abdirahman Yusuf Alcadaala – from the Ministry of Information, Liban Abdi Ali from Alhurra TV, Col. Yasin Ali Haile – from the ministry of Justice, Col./Madam Zakia Hussein – from the Somali Police.
The Minister of Information, Hon. Mustafa Dhuhulow, officially opened the forum and highlighted the importance of such forums and urged the organizers to hold such forums in the other regions. The minister further noted that unemployment of the youth could be attributed to the various forms radicalization including the extremist ideologies.
“”We welcome such forums to maintained as a platform for discussion and exchanging views so that we can make our society well informed.” Mr. Mustaf Dhuhulow, the Minister of Information said in his opening speech.
The Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of the organizers, said the forum comes a high time for the Somali Media to identify ways to counter the youth radicalization occurring in various forms in addition to the previously known from the extremists.
“The youth are radicalized by not only the radicals groups, but also other various forms of violent ideologies including clan ideologies developed within the society.” Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said in his opening remarks, “We have to find strategy to combat issues related to violent ideologies with the interest of the public and find mechanism that promotes peace and co-existence.”
“The idea is what can we do for our country to support peace through our profession.” Mr. Ibrahim added.
The Chairman of the Centre for Community Awareness, Mr. Mohamed Ajiib whose organization supported the forum said “the media should become the initial channel to counter radicalization within objectivity and integrity by downplaying any issue that creates confusion, conflict among the society or taking away our youth.
“The youth are the future of this country and we have responsibility to safe them.” Mr. Mohamed Ajiib, Chairman of CCA noted.
The forum ended in pleasant atmosphere and came up with a good ideas for better approach to address the issue.