Category: Democratisation

Building DoorashoKaab: A Civic Tech Platform for Inclusive Electoral Participation

January 28, 2026 bareedo Leave a comment All, Bareedo Core, Civic Education, Participatory Democracy

Somalia’s electoral processes remain highly fragile, marked by recurring delays, limited transparency, and low public trust in democratic institutions. Decades after the collapse of centralized governance, the country has yet to implement a nationwide one-person-one-vote electoral system. Instead, participation continues to be constrained by a complex indirect voting structure, ongoing insecurity, deeply rooted patriarchal norms, and the widespread absence of civic education—particularly among young people.

This challenge is especially significant considering that youth account for more than 75% of Somalia’s population. Despite their demographic majority, Somali youth remain marginalized and largely excluded from electoral decision-making, placing the country among those with the lowest levels of youth political participation globally. Although youth-led activism has been steadily growing, their involvement in formal electoral processes remains limited. Even where democratic local elections have been conducted, youth participation has often been symbolic rather than substantive.

At the same time, Somalia faces a growing digital divide that further complicates civic engagement. The country lacks the digital tools and infrastructure necessary to empower meaningful youth participation in democratic processes. High levels of digital illiteracy, limited access to reliable information, and the increasing spread of disinformation continue to undermine democratic progress and public trust in electoral institutions.

Introducing DoorashoKaab: A Civic Technology Solution

In response to these challenges, Bareedo Platform—an initiative committed to strengthening civic engagement and democratic participation—has launched the development of DoorashoKaab, a civic technology platform designed to promote and strengthen meaningful youth participation in Somalia’s electoral processes.

The initiative is supported by AfricTivistes, a pan-African organization dedicated to promoting democracy, digital rights, and civic engagement across the continent. Through this partnership, DoorashoKaab aims to address key barriers to participation, including the lack of accessible civic education, limited youth engagement, low trust in electoral institutions, and the growing problem of electoral disinformation.

DoorashoKaab is envisioned as a digital civic space that will provide accessible voter education, reliable electoral information, and tools for citizen engagement, ensuring that Somali youth are better informed and able to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

Youth Consultations to Shape the Platform

To ensure that the platform reflects the needs and realities of Somali youth, Bareedo Platform organized four consultation sessions in Garowe, Galkacyo, and Mogadishu in January 2026. More than 80 youth participants took part in the discussions, offering valuable insights on the platform’s features, design, content needs, and accessibility.

These consultations played a critical role in shaping the development of DoorashoKaab. Participants emphasized that the platform should focus primarily on civic education, voter information, and real-time reporting of electoral incidents. In addition, the platform should serve as a central hub for general updates and information related to elections across Somalia, covering both federal and state-level electoral processes.

Key Recommendations from Youth Participants

The youth consultations generated a number of important recommendations that will guide the development of the platform:

  • Accessible Civic Education: DoorashoKaab should prioritize civic education content, voter guidance, and reliable election updates in a simple and understandable format, particularly in the Somali language.
  • Low-Bandwidth Optimization: Given Somalia’s connectivity challenges, the platform must function effectively in low-bandwidth environments and remain accessible in areas with limited internet connectivity.
  • Inclusive Communication Formats: To reach citizens who cannot read or have limited literacy skills, the platform should include simplified election information delivered through animations or audio explanations.
  • Lightweight Content: Participants recommended avoiding large or heavy files such as high-resolution videos that could slow down the platform or limit accessibility.
  • Transparent Resources: Any documents uploaded to the platform—such as election policies, procedures, and guidelines—should clearly indicate their source or owner. The platform should also allow users to report outdated documents.
  • Downloadable Resources: Educational materials, electoral guidelines, and other resources should be downloadable so users can access them offline on their mobile devices.
  • Secure and Confidential Reporting: The platform should allow users to report election-related incidents anonymously or by name, while ensuring that personal information such as names and contact details is not publicly displayed.
  • Youth Advisory Mechanism: Participants recommended establishing a youth advisory committee and discussion forums to further promote citizen engagement and digital innovation in electoral participation.
  • Data and Accountability: DoorashoKaab should publish quarterly or annual bulletins presenting data on platform usage, civic engagement trends, challenges, and improvements. These reports could help inform policymakers and stakeholders about the progress of youth participation in elections.
  • Impartial and Inclusive Governance: To maintain trust, the platform must remain impartial, fair, and accessible to all federal member states. It should avoid influence or manipulation by political actors.
  • Civil Society Ownership: Participants strongly emphasized that the platform should be managed and maintained by Bareedo Platform in collaboration with civil society and youth groups. Transferring full control to government electoral bodies could risk ineffective maintenance, reduced transparency, or potential manipulation of information.

Moving Forward

Bareedo Platform will incorporate the insights and recommendations gathered during the consultations into the ongoing development of DoorashoKaab. The goal is to build a civic technology platform that is accessible, inclusive, secure, and responsive to the needs of Somali youth.

By leveraging digital tools to provide credible information, civic education, and citizen reporting mechanisms, DoorashoKaab has the potential to strengthen democratic participation and rebuild trust in electoral processes in Somalia.

The consultation process was led by a team headed by Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Hassan, a civic education expert with over 14 years of experience in civic education, community outreach, and electoral processes. His leadership ensured that the discussions were grounded in both practical electoral experience and the realities facing Somali youth today.

As Somalia continues its gradual path toward democratic reform, initiatives like DoorashoKaab demonstrate how civic technology can play a transformative role in bridging the gap between citizens and democratic institutions—particularly for the country’s largest and most dynamic demographic: its youth.

One Million Leaders – Middle East & North Africa Leadership Challenge Phase 2 – Somalia Workshop held in Garowe, Somalia

September 4, 2024 bareedo Leave a comment All, Bareedo Core, Climate Change, Democratisation

A four-session training was held in Garowe, Somalia, with over 25 selected champions participating in Phase 2 of the Leadership Challenge of the One Million Leaders Fellowship Program. The sessions were facilitated by OML-MENA Fellow and Rotary Peace Fellow Mr. Sharmarke and featured a special guest speaker, climate activist Mr. Abdikhay M. Hussein. The training introduced participants to the OML initiative, a global network dedicated to empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders. Guided by the vision of creating “One World in Harmony,” the program aims to build a community of leaders capable of driving sustainable change worldwide.

The in-person training was supported by TOC for Education, Inc. (TOCfE), a not-for-profit foundation (US 501c3) established in 1995. TOCfE applies a set of thinking processes and common-sense methodologies designed to logically identify and overcome key limitations that hinder communities from achieving a more sustainable world.

 The training primarily focused on the impact of climate change on Somali pastoralists (nomads). Participants explored how droughts and famine have severely affected pastoralist communities by causing a lack of pasture and water, leading to the death of livestock and widespread displacement. These discussions highlighted the critical need for pastoralists to adapt to climate change in order to build resilience and ensure their resilience in the face of environmental shocks.

Participants engaged in problem analysis using methodologies such as the Problem Tree Analysis and Cloud Method to better understand the challenges faced by pastoralist communities. These tools helped clarify the causes and effects of droughts and enabled participants to identify obstacles and potential solutions for achieving a sustainable future for these communities.

Mr. Abdikhay Hussein, a climate activist, shared his practical experience on the vulnerability of Somali pastoralists to drought shocks in the face of climate crissi. He explained the traditional pastoralist lifestyle, where communities move from place to place with their livestock in search of pasture and water. This nomadic way of life, practiced by 60 percent of Somalia’s population, makes them particularly vulnerable to the increasing frequency and severity of droughts driven by climate change. The economic losses resulting from the death of livestock often lead to displacement as pastoralists seek new opportunities to sustain their families.

In recent years, Somalia has faced increasingly severe droughts, exacerbated by natural resource degradation and climate change. Rural communities, whose livelihoods are closely tied to weather patterns, are particularly affected. Since 2011, Somalia has experienced only one proper rainy season, leading to a prolonged crisis that has left millions facing food insecurity.

In the final part of the training, participants discussed strategies to promote solutions that support transforming the lives of pastoralists, making them more sustainable and resilient to droughts. Using problem-solving tools, particularly the Theory of Constraints (TOC) for Education, participants worked on developing sustainable solutions that combine traditional livestock rearing with modern farming practices. The goal is to build community resilience against climate shocks while preserving the cultural practices of pastoralist communities.

Finally, the training sessions provided participants with a deeper understanding of the OML initiative and the critical challenges faced by Somali pastoralists in the context of climate change. Through interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises, participants shared experience and discussed on actionable strategies to support pastoralist communities in adapting to environmental challenges and building a sustainable future.

Call for Champions Leadership Program 2024

June 18, 2024 bareedo Leave a comment All, Bareedo Core, Civic Education, Democratisation, Youth Promotion Awareness Rising

Background

Somalia has one of the world’s largest young populations, with 75 percent of its population under 30 years old. While young people represent the majority in Somali society, continuing unrest, conflict, and socioeconomic and political exclusion have left them with psychological wounds and multiple roadblocks to adulthood.

This leadership training challenge is part of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Fellowship Program, a flagship project supported by NELIS—Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability. The Fellowship Program aimed to equip one million NexGen leaders and social innovators with the required skills to lead positive and sustainable change in their regions by 2030.

Many young people in Somalia lack the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to develop into better adults because ongoing unrest and conflict have demoralized them, leaving them with psychological wounds and numerous obstacles to adulthood.

Engaging and empowering young people is a prerequisite for the UN to deliver on its mandate in support of the Somali people. As a result, a number of global and national frameworks shape the UN’s integrated response in support of Somali youth. Youth leadership development is crucial for fostering future leaders and empowering young individuals to make a positive impact in their communities. This proposed training initiative aims to develop effective youth leadership programs by exploring strategies and best practices that can enhance youth’s leadership skills and abilities to inspire positive change in their communities.

Why join the Youth Leadership Program?

Participating in the Youth Leadership Program will equip you with leadership and critical thinking skills, enhancing your ability to influence and contribute to socio-economic development within your local community as a productive and inspired citizen. This leadership program aims to boost your potential to contribute and open up broad network opportunities, while also building your capacity to contribute and implement sustainable community programs in communities.

During the program, you will undergo 3 weeks of extensive training to prepare you for your role as a program facilitator, coach, and change maker. After training, you will have the opportunity to participate in community support initiatives.

Are you a passionate and driven young leader looking to make a difference in your community? Are you between the ages of 18 and 30, living in Somalia,  who is highly motivated to cause change in their lives and the lives of their communities?

Join the leadership program in collaboration with the OML-MENA Fellowship Program, NELIS: The Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability. The MENA Fellows Leadership Challenge is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Program in August–Sep 2024. This transformative initiative aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and creativity needed to drive social change and foster entrepreneurship leadership in their communities.

Eligibility

  • Age 18–35
  • Have an interest in personal development and leadership.
  • Traits of a problem solver
  • Having a personal vision
  • Passion to make a positive change in the community, particularly pastoralist communities
  • Have access to a basic smartphone or laptop and possess basic computer skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship.

How to Apply

Click this online link https://forms.gle/ybKjb83YWT8b1hRY6 and fill it with all required information regarding your interest in the participation of the program.

Deadline for Application: 30 Aug 2024

Workshop on Building Inclusive Democracy for Displaced People in Puntland, Somalia

March 5, 2024 bareedo Leave a comment All, Bareedo Core, Civic Education, Democratisation

Bareedo Platform conducted a one-day workshop on Building Inclusive Democracy for Displaced People in Somalia on Monday, March 4. A total of 48 participants from different regions of State of Puntland in Somalia, including some from Las’anod City (Khaatumo Administration), representing local nonprofit organizations, and some from government institutions, participated in the workshop.

Mr. Sharmarke Yusuf and Mr. Abdikhayr Hussein, two senior members of Bareedo Platform Somalia, facilitated the workshop.


“This is a platform developed by People Powered, the Global Hub for Participatory Democracy, and a consortium of local and national organizations, which the Bareedo Platform includes. There are about six courses on the platform, and all are available. But we are going to focus on and study the course Building Inclusive Democracy for Displaced People.” Said Mr. Sharmake Yusuf

The participants introduced the online platform which they only needed to sign up by clicking the green button, put their basic information in the box, and start the learning journey.


The participants were introduced to and engaged in online self-paced training courses collected on a knowledge platform developed by People Powered and a consortium of local and national organizations where all relevant stakeholders and individuals can learn more about how to make participatory and deliberative processes more inclusive. The participants engaged in one of the six courses on the online learning platform, which is “Building Inclusive Democracy for Displaced People.”


The Bareedo team provided the participants with guidance as they signed up and registered at Building Inclusive Democracy Online Training, following a brief informative introduction session about the online learning platform courses and how to access the platform. Through a well-designed online Displaced Course, the participants learned about displaced people worldwide, defining the specific terminologies for the familiarity of the course. The participants learned the term “displaced,” which stands for different groups of people.

Throughout the introduction of the course, there were particular examples of Somalia’s displacement of people, related policies, and national strategies, as well as participants engagement in participatory discussions regarding the strategies to include in participatory and deliberative processes.


The participants were asked to present their understanding and experience of the term displaced. Mr. Abdikhayr Hussein, who has strong experience in displacement and has worked in the sector, briefly shared the different groups that fall under the term displaced.

“There are about three displaced groups: IDP, refugees, and immigrants. The first group is the internally displaced people, who are people forced to leave their homes but who remain within their country’s borders. The second group of refugees are people who have lost the protection of their country of origin and who cannot or are unwilling to return there due to a well-founded fear of persecution. The third group are immigrants, who are people living in a country other than that of their birth.” Said Abdikhayr Hussein


As part of the course contents, they also discussed the challenges and promising solutions, including the case studies regarding the inclusion of displaced people in decision-making and the possible outcomes of the total inclusion of displaced people. The participants discussed the deliberative process of total inclusion of displaced people in decision-making and the barriers and roadblocks that limit the participation of displaced people in the decision-making process and social services. 


Furthermore, the participants reflected on the possible solutions that exist in the country. Comparing those possible solutions presented by the course, the participants highlighted that there is a need for local reintegration through providing proper shelter and resettlement, as the displaced communities in Somalia are continuously affected by droughts, flooding, and also recent conflicts in the Sool region. They shared and received an informative process for implementing successful interventions when addressing building inclusive democracy for displaced people.


Participants were most interested in key strategies to promote the inclusion of displaced people, challenges and solutions in democratic strategies, and ensuring active participation, where the participants have had time to practice and discuss the implementation of an impactful inclusive democracy for displaced people and explore practical insights that empower them to undertake a lasting impact. 


The participants discussed the most common challenges that face displaced people in Somalia and highlighted some points, including the fact that displaced people in Puntland have a shortage of food, healthy access, education, and shelter. The participants emphasized that the most vulnerable displaced people are living in congested and informal settlements on the outskirts of the cities.


There have been some important comments regarding the platform and the course raised by the participants, which Bareedo Platform will share with People Powered.


After completing the online course, the participants were able to download the completion certificate for the courses, indicating their completion of the displaced course on the platform.

Bareedo Platform Designs and Produces Multilingual Awareness-Raising Materials on Migration Risks

February 25, 2023 bareedo Leave a comment All, Bareedo Core, Participatory Democracy, Promotion of Migrants’ Rights

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting safe migration practices and protecting vulnerable migrant populations, Bareedo Platform Somalia has developed and produced a comprehensive set of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials aimed at raising public awareness about the risks associated with irregular migration.

These materials are specifically designed to support the work of government agencies, humanitarian organizations, civil society actors, and frontline migration response teams engaged in mixed migration management and community outreach. They serve as valuable tools for educational campaigns, community dialogues, and information sessions at migrant entry/exit points, transit hubs, refugee reception centers, and host communities.

Languages and Accessibility

To ensure maximum reach and inclusivity, the materials are available in Amharic, Somali, and English—the most widely spoken languages among migrant populations in Puntland and the Horn of Africa region. Each material has been carefully designed to be:

  • Culturally appropriate and context-sensitive
  • Gender-sensitive, reflecting the distinct risks faced by women, girls, and other vulnerable groups
  • Visually engaging and easy to understand, even for low-literacy audiences
  • Suitable for use in both urban and rural settings, including community-based education and field-level interventions

Materials Produced

The IEC package includes a range of print-ready and visual-based content, such as:

  • Posters on the dangers of human trafficking and smuggling
  • Flyers outlining safe migration steps and rights-based information
  • Illustrated leaflets with emergency contact and referral information
  • Flip charts and infographics for community facilitators
  • Awareness cards for border and transit points

These materials are open-source and free to download, print, and distribute. Bareedo Platform encourages all individuals, organizations, and agencies working in migration governance, humanitarian aid, or community development to use and adapt the materials in their own awareness-raising and advocacy efforts.

Download the Awareness-Raising Materials Below:

Message 1

ENGLISH

“Don’t Risk Your Life on False Promises. Irregular Migration Can Lead to Trafficking, Exploitation, and Death.”

Know the dangers. Always seek safe and legal pathways before deciding to migrate.

AMHARIC

“የሐሰት ተስፋዎች ላይ ህይወትህን አታስጋልጥ. ያልተመዘገበ ምልጃ ወደ እንደ ባህር ንብረት መሸጥ, ተገባበርነት, እና ሞት ሊወስድህ ይችላል.”

አደጋውን ያውቅ. መሄድ ከመወሰንዎ በፊት ደህናና ሕጋዊ መንገዶችን ፈልጉ

SOMALI

“Haku Halagin Naftaada Ballan Been ah. Tahriibka Sharci-darrada ah wuxuu kuu horseedi karaa khataraha ka ganacsiga dadka, tacaddi, iyo dhimasho.”

Ogow khataraha. Had iyo jeer raadi waddooyin ammaan ah oo sharci ah ka hor intaadan go’aansan inaad tahriibto.

Message 2

ENGLISH

“Human Smugglers Are Not Helpers—They Profit from Your Suffering.”

Irregular routes often lead to abuse, abandonment, or detention. Avoid smugglers and get accurate information from trusted sources.

AMHARIC

“የሰው መቀያየሪያዎች አገልጋዮች አይደሉም—ከመከራህ ላይ ትርፍ ያገኛሉ.”

ያልተመዘገቡ መንገዶች አብዛኛውን ጊዜ ወደ ተገባበርነት, መተው, ወይም መታሰር ይመራሉ. መቀያየሪያዎችን ይቀበሉ, ከታመኑ ምንጮች ትክክለኛ መረጃ ያግኙ.

SOMALI

“Tahriibeyaashu Maaha Caawiyayaal—Waxay Ka Faa’iideystaan Silica Iyo Saxariirkaaga.”

Waddooyinka sharci-darrada ah badanaa waxay ku dhammaadaan tacaddi, dayac, ama xabsi. Ka fogow tahriibeyaasha, kana hel xog sax ah ilo lagu kalsoon yahay.

Message 3

ENGLISH

“You Have Rights—Even as a Migrant. But Irregular Migration Can Leave You Unprotected.”

Traveling without documents increases your risk of exploitation, wage theft, and violence. Know your rights and where to seek help.

AMHARIC

“መብቶች አሉህ—እንኳን እንደ ምልጃ ሰው ቢሆንም. ነገር ግን ያልተመዘገበ ምልጃ መከላከያ ከመሆን ይከለክልሃል.”

ያለ ትክክለኛ ሰነድ መጓጓዝ የተገባበርነት, የደመወዝ ማስቀረት, እና ጥቃት አደጋ ያደርሳል. መብቶችህን ያውቅ፣ እና እርዳታ የሚያገኙበትን ቦታ ፈልግ.

SOMALI

“Waxaad Leedahay Xuquuq—Xitaa Haddii Aad Tahay Muhaajir. Laakiin Tahriibka Sharci-Darrada Ah Wuxuu Ka Dhigi Karaa Qof Wax Kasta U Nugul.”

Inaad safarto adigoon haysan dukumeenti sharci ah wuxuu kordhinayaa khataraha aad la kulmi karto sida in lagugu tacadiyo, laguu diido mushaharka shaqeysato, ama lagu dilo. Ogoow xuquuqdaada iyo meesha aad ka heli karto caawimaad.

Message 4

ENGLISH

“Many Who Leave Never Reach Their Destination. Irregular Migration Can Be a One-Way Journey.”

Thousands have disappeared on dangerous routes. Talk to returnees and listen to real stories before making your decision.

AMHARIC

“ብዙዎቹ የሄዱ ወደ መድረሻቸው አደረሱም. ያልተመዘገበ ምልጃ አንድ አቅጣጫ ያለው ጉዞ ሊሆን ይችላል.”

ሺዎች በአደገኛ መንገዶች ተጠፉ. እርስዎ እርምጃ ከመውሰድዎ በፊት, ከተመለሱ ጋር ይነጋገሩ እና እውነተኛ ታሪኮቻቸውን ያድምጡ.

SOMALI

“Dad Badan Oo Tahriibay Maba Gaarin Meeshii Ay U Socdeen. Tahriibka Sharci-Darrada Ah Wuxuu Noqon Karaa Safar Aan Soo Noqosho Lahayn.”

Kumanaan qof ayaa ku lumay waddooyin halis ah. La tasho dadkii kasoo noqday tahriibka oo dhegeyso sheekooyinkooda dhabta ah ka hor inta aadan gaarin go’aanka tahriibka.

Message 5

ENGLISH

“Safe Migration Starts with Information. Ask, Learn, and Plan Before You Move.”

Connect with local authorities, NGOs, or migration centers to get accurate advice and support for safe, legal migration.

AMHARIC

“ደህና ምልጃ በመረጃ ይጀምራል. ጠይቅ, ተማር, እና ከመነሻ በፊት ዕቅድ አድርግ.”

እርግጠኛ ምክር እና ድጋፍ ለመያዝ, ከአካባቢ መንግስት ባለሥልጣኖች, ከNGOዎች, ወይም ከምልጃ ማዕከላት ጋር ይገናኙ.

SOMALI

“Socdaalka Ammaan ah Wuxuu Ka Bilaabmaa Xog La Helaa. Weydii, Baro, Qorshee Intaadan Tahriibin.”

La xiriir mas’uuliyiinta dowladda, hay’adaha samafalka ama xarumaha socdaalka si aad u hesho talo sax ah iyo taageero ku saabsan socdaal sharci ah oo ammaan ah.

For more information or customized materials, please contact:

Email: info@bareedo.org or Tell: +252-661-116061