Somalia’s history of state collapse, prolonged conflict, and clan-based politics has left a legacy of fragile governance and limited democratic participation. While efforts to build state institutions are ongoing, challenges such as corruption, political exclusion, weak rule of law, and limited civic engagement remain major barriers to sustainable peace and development. In this fragile context, empowering citizens especially youth to actively participate in democratization and governance is vital for the country’s future stability.
Horn Concern works to strengthen local institutions, civil society groups, and grassroots leaders through training, mentoring, and partnerships. We focus on building the capacity of actors who play a critical role in advancing inclusive governance and promoting accountability at all levels. A central pillar of this work is empowering youth for democratization, recognizing that over 70% of Somalia’s population is under 30. Young people represent both the present and the future of Somali society, and yet many feel excluded from political and civic life.
