.jpeg)
Ceel‑Afweyn: Reviving a City of Peace through Youth and Community Action By Hassan M. Jama Introduction: A City Once Known for Harmony Ceel‑Afweyn, located in the western part of Sanaag region, Somaliland, was once a shining symbol of peace, mutual respect, and deep-rooted community ties. It wasn’t just a place—it was a feeling. Families were closely intertwined: cousins, nephews, and uncles all living together like a single, large family. The affection between them was so powerful and natural that the town earned a name that reflected its harmony: “Habar-lamaan” —meaning people so bonded, it left others in awe. But that harmony was shattered. For nine painful years, intercommunal conflict tore through Ceel‑Afweyn. The relationships that once held the community together began to fray—trust was broken, services collapsed, and fear replaced friendship. This blog post reflects on my 23-day peace engagement experience in Ceel‑Afweyn, where I worked closely with local youth, c...