I was born in Somalia, a country in East Africa that has suffered from conflict among many armed groups since the 1980s. The government has not been strong enough to bring peace or proper governance, and the violence has continued for decades.
My life changed when I was 17 years oldーmy younger brother was killed by a government soldier. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, I saw no other way than to pick up a weapon to ease my suffering. So I decided to join Al-Shabaab, an Islamic extremist organization known for violent attacks across the region, to seek revenge. I reached out to a neighbour who was a member of the group and asked him to help me join.
Not long after, I was arrested at a government checkpoint. I was brought to justice and sentenced to 15 years in prison. In prison, I began to reflect deeply on what had happened to me and the choices I had made. Slowly, I realised that I was responsible for my own fate and that I had thrown myself into a deep hole. Then, something inside me shifted. That was when I decided to make a change. I started seeking advice from anyone I could, and I began to read, research, and collect ideas that could truly benefit society.
After a few years in prison, I met Accept International. Through their support and awareness program, I received rehabilitation and guidance. I threw myself into learning with all my energy. I read books, gathered knowledge about peace and stability, and learn social interaction and studied social interaction and differences in attitudes. And finally, I became a teacher at the prison school, helping others learn, grow, and see possibilities beyond violence. Even within prison walls, I found a way to reclaim my identity and purpose as a young Somali person again.
Through my experience, I have come to deeply believe that former youth combatants deserve recognition, encouragement and support. I have seen the potential they hold, the power to play a crucial role in society and to spark hope in places where hope has been lost. By listening to everyone’s stories, taking the time to understand their backgrounds and stories, and involving everyone to share the voices with not only other young people who have joined armed groups, but also the community, we can foster greater and broader understanding.
Former young combatants, including myself, can serve as a powerful example to those still involved in armed groups. We can show that change is possible, that a new path can be taken without violence, and that those once seen as threats to global peace can, in fact, contribute meaningfully to building it.
By stepping into their communities and sharing their personal journeys with the world, former combatants can challenge the dark narratives, promote reconciliation, and shape a future that is more peaceful. When this happens, the cycle of young people joining non-state armed groups begins to break. Fewer young people will pick up arms, more will pick up hope.
I first decided to confront the negative ideas being spread by Al-Shabaab so that what happened to me would not happen to other young people. I believe peace is the foundation of everything and it is essential for former young combatants to be able to harness their full potential.
Today, I aspire to open a radio station to educate communities, especially young people in areas affected by ongoing conflict, and to warn them about extremist ideologies and their potential dangers. Al-Shabaab poses a serious threat to security and stability, not only in Somalia but far beyond its borders. This makes awareness and prevention more important than ever.
At the same time, I want to advocate to the broader international community through GTY, sharing not only my own story but also those of other young people, to foster understanding and promote peace.
Looking at the ongoing conflicts and wars around the world, I am convinced that violence and the use of weapons will never provide a lasting solution. What truly works is continuous dialogue with others and deep self-reflection. These offer a far more effective path toward resolution. And in those processes, former young combatants like myself have key roles to play.
We, young people as former conflict actors can also be the future leaders of this world. Lasting solutions will never come through violence or the taking up of arms. Now, more than ever, we need dialogue, even with those we once considered our enemies. Let’s move forward together into a new era of peacebuilding.
Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants and Accept International.
