What has changed with regard to PVE environment?

Regarding the general PVE environment, there has been significant improvement with a notable reduction in insurgent group attacks in Kismayo and other major towns in Jubbaland state. According to the recent reports from the area, the local and national government forces together with the Indigenous communities’ support, there has been new fronts against the insurgent group which has seen the liberation of new villages in Lower Jubba region of Jubbaland.  Consequently, a peaceful period has been enjoyed in Kismayo and its areas over this period. This can be attributed to the fact that the government armed forces upscaled their operations against the Al-Shabab linked groups targeting their bases where they initially planned their callous attacks. It is also notable that SOLO with the support of GCERF has increased its peace building programs in the area embodying the youth and other residents with the power to voice and act on Violent extremist activities. Further complimentary intervention in the civic education by SOLO and other actors has reduced the indoctrination space previously enjoyed by the violent extremism organizations. This has contributed to positive change. SOLO has been active in the social media, posting details of events promoting peace building which has widened the coverage of population groups in support of peace building, who are encouraged by the successful and bold actions being spearheaded by youth and the government in Jubbaland.

What impact is it having on your GCERF funded programme?

The reduction of the insurgent groups’ activities over this reporting period is a positive indication that the situation is improving and the goal of positive change to the people of Kismayo is bearing fruit. This is likely to encourage sustained stabilisation efforts in Jubbaland. As a result of the armed confrontations in the frontline, more ex-combatants who have not undergone proper community reintegration programs could flee to major towns in the area and this could pose a new threat to the public. If these frontline operations continue, the state government may ask for response-based P/CVE activities in the newly liberated areas which could be more costly and currently not in our work plan.