Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital
The African country of Somalia is rife with conflict, suffering from civil war, terrorism, and starvation. Photos and videos of battlefields, individuals casually toying with dead bodies, torture, and executions flood the internet. In the summer of 2011 first year student at Waseda University’s School of Education Yosuke Nagai learned about the “unparalleled human tragedy” that is the Somali conflict and was overcome with anger and sadness. Nagai thought, “I am going to Somalia! I have to do something. Even if it is only a little, I want to alleviate some of the suffering.” However, he was at a loss when he began thinking about what he actually could and should do. Even international non-government organizations (NGOs) were inactive in the dangerous country of Somalia. It was when this inexperienced and perplexed student disregarded the notion that “even a student can help” and embraced the notion that it is “precisely because I am a student that I can help” that he took an important first step towards developing solutions to the Somali conflict. What resulted was a project that aims to restore Somalia’s youth community that suffers from “gangs” whose members are often recruited by terrorist groups. With the founding of the Japan Somalia Youth Organization and the hard work of young Japanese and Somalis a grand dream has been put into motion.
Yosuke Nagai took the above photo in July 2016. Pictured is an everyday sight in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu. Even young children are seen with firearms in their hands. Many Somali refugees flee to Nairobi, Kenya and many young refugees turn to gangs out of desperation.
A map of Somalia
① My journey began in front of Building 11
Students of various nationalities coming to and from Waseda University (around Building 11)
“We are not currently accepting students.” “Due to public safety concerns we have temporarily suspended our activities in Somalia.” “There is nothing we can do for poor countries like Somalia.” “You will die if you go.” No matter whom he asked Nagai was constantly discouraged by “adults” to refrain from getting involved with Somalia. Nagai searched desperately for a way he could get to the African country. He came across a news article about two Somali orphans that were accepted into Waseda University. In September 2011 The School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) accepted a brother and sister from Somalia as international students. “There are Somalis at my own university,” Nagai thought as he grew excited over the prospect of meeting these two siblings. “I will hang out around Building 11 which houses (SILS) and try to talk to them.” Starting in September Nagai hung out around Waseda Campus’ Building 11. Nagai spent hours each day looking for the two Somali students, but without success. Then on the sixth day Nagai saw two students, one woman wearing colorful Islamic garb and a tall young man, sitting on a nearby bench. These two students were Samira Olad and her brother Abdirahman Olad, the two Somalis he read about in the news (both graduated in September 2015).
“Hey! My name is Yosuke! I want to help Somalia!” Using the English he memorized beforehand Nagai passionately appealed to the two Somali students. “Unlike those who pretend to not notice, I want to help Somalia. Please work with me and let us change the world together!” The siblings’ father was Somalia’s former Minister of Youth and Sports and passed away in a 2009 terrorist bombing that occurred in the capital Mogadishu. The Olad siblings fled to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and lived with Somali immigrants and refugees. With the support of Ashinaga, an organization that provides educational support to children who have lost their parents, the Olad siblings were able to come to Japan. Abdirahman expressed his desire “to acquire an international perspective at Waseda and eventually become president of Somalia” while Samira expressed her desire to “work with the Japanese economy and start a company to help Somalia’s economy grow.” Together the Olad siblings hope to bring an end to the civil war and help their home country thrive.
“Of course! Thank you Yosuke!” Amazed by Nagai’s enthusiasm, the Olad siblings opened up to Nagai and told him about their experiences. While eating potato chips and fried chicken from the Family Mart on the first floor of Building 11, Abdirahman talked to Nagai about a Somali NGO that he belonged to while living in Nairobi. This NGO was called Impact Community Organization (ICO). Made up of fourteen young Somalis, this NGO carried out initiatives such as education-leadership and counterdrug programs. This organization eventually merged with the student-run Japan Somalia Youth Organization. Nagai first interacted with ICO thanks to a Skype conference call that Abdirahman arranged with the NGO.
Somalia Vice Representative Muna
The person on the other end of the Skype call was ICO Vice Representative Muna Ismail Abdi. She spoke with a strong clear voice and together with ICO members expressed excitement over the opportunity to work together with Japanese. But when she learned it was only Nagai on the Japanese side of these efforts an awkward silence hushed over the conversation. Muna then said, “Hurry up and recruit more members! The extent of our cooperation depends on members!” Soon after Nagai met Taisho Kuniyoshi (2015 School of Social Sciences graduate) during a course called “Introduction to Peace Building,” a course that provides students an opportunity to learn about ways to resolve international conflicts. Nagai also reached out to fellow SILS student Saki Kuroda (2015 graduate) who is proficient in English and Chinese. Every week Nagai would hold a Skype conference call with ICO at a family restaurant in front of Waseda’s student assembly hall. After discussing amongst themselves the three Japanese students decided to name their group Japan Somalia Youth Organization. Even with the support of international coalitions and the United Nations the Somali conflict continued with no end in sight. As they attempted to turn the tide this group’s “crazy journey” began to unfold.
② Movement with Gangsters
Until they built the necessary infrastructure in Japan the Japan Somalia Youth Organization was unable to work with ICO. However, after agreeing to focus on member recruitment and bringing to fruition the notion that “it is the youth of Japan and Somalia that can bring about change,” ICO merged with the Japan Somalia Youth Organization in November 2011.
Due to the completely different cultural and social backgrounds of the group’s members things did not start smoothly. There were serious concerns over funding and while the Somali members wanted the Japanese members to “focus on acquiring funding” the Japanese members believed that “if it simply comes down to funding, that is something ‘adults’ should do.” Although the two sides were moved by a desire to “save Somalia,” they were unable to come up with a concrete plan. On top of that, the Somali side requested compensation for their efforts. Distressed over the situation Nagai spoke with Instructor Yoko Nakano who was in charge of English language instruction at the School of Education and School of Law. Nakano introduced to Nagai her friend Izumi Sakata, an architect involved in infrastructure development and other social initiatives in Kenya.
Nagai met and spoke with Sakata. Sakata said, “How about I tell you my favorite word, ‘realization.’ This word has two meanings. One is ‘to make something a reality’ and the other is to ‘become aware of something.’ There is no point in getting ahead of yourself and only focusing on what you can and cannot do and how you can help. First you need to form strong relationships that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. It is here where there lie endless possibilities.” When Sakata first started his activities in Kenya he was troubled by the same concerns as Nagai. Nagai responded to Sakata, asking, “Is it ok if I borrow this word?” The concept of “realization” later became Japan Somalia Youth Organization’s founding principle.
A photo taken during the first trip to Somalia (Muna is pictured second from the left and Nagai third from the right)
As of June 2016 the Japan Somalia Youth Organization has traveled to Nairobi, Kenya a total of eight times. The organization’s first onsite activities were conducted in the Eastleigh suberb of Nairobi, which is predominantly inhabited by Somali immigrants, over the span of two weeks in March 2012. After conducting surveys around the Eastleigh suburb, Nagai found that Somalis desired improved public safety as well as opportunities to study abroad in Japan. After deeming that “improved public safety” was beyond their capabilities the Japan Somalia Youth Organization started focusing on what was within their reach. What resulted were two projects, the Cheer up Somali Sports Project (CSSP), an initiative that focuses on donations of secondhand sports goods to elementary schools in order to strengthen community relations in the Eastleigh suburb, and the Study Abroad Project (SAP), a project that provides long-term study abroad opportunities in Japan to young Somalis in partnership with Ashinaga.
Nairobi’s Eastleigh suburb
A typical street in the Eastleigh suburb
Nagai’s third year at Waseda University marked a turning point for the organization’s activities. While in Nairobi Nagai and his organization found that there were two large gangs present in the Eastleigh suburb. They also found out that the Al-Shabaab* jihadist terrorist group was recruiting its young members. This was one of the major reasons behind worsening public safety in the suburb. A Somali member of the Japan Somalia Youth Organization once lamented, saying, “One of my friends joined a gang. It is tragic because there are many young people like us that are working towards a better future.” Nagai and his organization which had previously given up on “improving public safety” was now convinced that there was something unique about their position as students that would allow them to help. “It is precisely because we are of the same generation that we can build relationships. If we can bring those who have been neglected by the rest of the world on board with us, together we can change society and prevent the armament and radicalization of gang-affiliated youth.” What resulted from this resolution was the “Movement with Gangsters” initiative, a movement to help gang-affiliated youth reintegrate into society.
A bus in the Eastleigh suburb
③What only Japanese students could accomplish
“Movement with Gangsters” cycle
Ten to fifteen gang-affiliated youths are accepted for each cycle of “Movement with Gangsters.” The cycle attempts to gradually transform the youths’ identity from that of “gang member” to “youth leader.” The cycle’s major steps begin with a “consciousness reform” program that is conducted by the Japanese members in Nairobi and consists of three components: 1) a participatory lecture and discussion, 2) community outreach activities, and 3) an awards ceremony. After the Japanese members return to Japan, staff in Nairobi conduct the following components: 4) skill training, 5) monitoring and counseling, and 6) staff and volunteer recruitment. Taking one year and a half to complete, the program strengthens participants’ awareness as “independent, reformed individuals” and encourages their reintegration into society, thus preventing radicalization.
A group of “gang” members (pictured in front) speak at an elementary school in the Eastleigh suburb
“It is not that I liked the idea of being in a gang!” “I had no education, no occupation, and needed money to live!” “The police and society are much worse!” These are some of the sentiments gang-affiliated youth expressed when they visited and spoke at an elementary school in the Eastleigh suburb. “Don’t do drugs.” “Unlike you, I did not even have the opportunity to attend elementary school. Study hard.” “Do not even think about joining a gang. There are other paths in life.” The number of gang-affiliated youth that wished to participate in the program increased with every session. One participant discovered the joy of learning and went on to attend university in New Zealand.
A meeting among some of the program’s participants
By its fifth year the Japan Somalia Youth Organization had experienced several dangerous encounters with gangs. Regardless, Nagai felt that the “Movement with Gangsters” initiative was producing great results. However, starting in 2013, a series of developments shocked him and his organization. In August 2013 the international medical humanitarian NGO Doctors Without Borders, which Nagai had long admired, announced they would cease their activities in Somalia and leave the country. In his first year at Waseda Nagai attempted to join Doctors Without Borders, appealing to the organization his desire to help in Somalia. He was rejected however and in addition to Doctors Without Borders leaving Somalia, there were incidents where gang-affiliated youth participating in the program were killed in gang-related disputes. Some gangs also began arming themselves. The Japan Somalia Youth Organization received threats from former allies who said “we will try you in Islamic court and kill you.” Entering 2016 the Somali conflict grew more and more tense.
After graduating from Waseda University, Nagai enrolled in a master’s program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to research international disputes. In May 2016 Nagai temporarily returned to Japan and in collaboration with the International Community Center (ICC) held a lecture at Waseda Campus’ Okuma Garden House to discuss how young Japanese and Somalis are addressing the Somali conflict and working to create a future without terrorism. Many students attended the lecture to hear from Nagai. Drawing from what he learned at LSE Nagai talked about ways to resolve international disputes and explained the situation in Somalia. He then introduced the “Movement with Gangsters” initiative.
Nagai speaking at the lecture organized by the International Community Center (ICC)
“Somali gangs inhabit the Eastleigh district making it an incredibly dangerous place. It is not uncommon for people to be killed in gang-related disputes. The Al-Shabaab terrorist group recruits members by promising them a wife, a car, and a monthly stipend of approximately 5,000 USD. The majority of gang members are fifteen to twenty-nine years old, similar in age to us. It is because of our hopes for the future that we can become enablers of change. Much attention is devoted to the youth’s role in today’s society and it is a major topic of discussion around the world. Are not the gang-affiliated youth in Somali being recruited by terrorist organizations the same as us? This is important to realize. It is not enough to simply say that ‘gangsters are criminals’ and tell gang members to ‘quit being gangsters.’ We must first get close to them and understand their situation. Many of them are dissatisfied with the government and the United Nations’ lack of action. We are too. Once we establish this point of agreement we can gradually present to them the idea of working together to change the world. Our end goal is not to make these youths quit their gangs but to transform their gangs into peaceful groups and make them realize their potential as youth leaders that can change the world.”
Members involved in “Movement with Gangsters”
“Movement with Gangsters” awards ceremony
As the African Union and other armed coalitions conduct airstrikes and attempt to reclaim territory, the Somali conflict continues to be one of the worst in the world. At the end of his lecture Nagai called out to students. “We accomplished what the international community could not. We were able to reach out and communicate with Somali gangs. It is not that we accomplished this despite being students but precisely because we are students. It is possible that ‘adults’ are unable to support gang-affiliated youth in Somali and their reintegration into society. It is up to us, which is why we are doing everything we can. Here lies the significance of the Japan Somalia Youth Organization. When it comes to resolving conflicts around the world students harbor unique potential. There is great demand for youth participation in resolving conflicts around the world. I want young people to push forward. On my end I will promote this cause to the best of my ability.
Central Mogadishu
Nagai, serving as President of Japan Somalia Youth Organization, supports his organization’s activities from overseas. Shiori Sekiguchi, fourth year student at the School of Culture, Media and Society, serves as the organization’s Japan representative. In spring 2016 the organization expanded its recruitment activities from the Tokyo area to the rest of the country. Presently there are 30 members (28 Japanese and 30 Somalis). In July of this year Nagai joined efforts to deradicalize and reintegrate Al-Shabaab fighters in facilities located in Mogadishu and Baidoa. At the frontlines of the Somali conflict the African Union and the United Nations are supporting counterterrorism and disarmament efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s presence in the region. This “crazy journey” that began at Waseda University has only just begun.
Pictured on the left is Shiren, a participant in “Movement with Gangsters” and a former gang member. In July 2016, Nagai reunited with Shiren in Mogadishu after he returned to his home country. (Taken from Nagai’s twitter account @ you___27)
*Al-Shabaab is al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia and controls more than half of the country’s southern regions. The group was established in 2007 and rose out of the lawlessness that followed the collapse of the Somali government in 1991. The group is opposed to the United Nations backed government established in 2012 and continues to engage in terrorist bombings.
Profile
Yosuke Nagai
President of Japan Somalia Youth Organization
Born in Kanagawa prefecture in 1991, Yosuke Nagai graduated from Waseda University’s School of Education in 2015 and is a recipient of the Azusa Ono Memorial Award. That September Nagai enrolled in a master’s program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In August 2015 he was selected as one of 30 “young global leaders” as part of the “Kruger Cowne Rising Star Programme in association with Xcor Space Expeditions and One Young World.” Nagai has received praise for his research at LSE has been praised and was awarded the UN Study Award 2016 from the English foundation Gilbert Murray Trust.
◆Related Links
Japan Somalia Youth Organization（http://jsyo-english.jimdo.com/）
Book written by Yosuke Nagai: Bokura ha somaria gyangu to yume wo kataru, The Story of Movement with Gangsters http://eijipress.co.jp/sp/somaliagang/
Yosuke Nagai’s book vividly depicting the Japan Somalia Youth Organization’s activities
Timeline of Japan Somalia Youth Organization’s activities
•9/2011 Founding of Japan Somalia Youth Organization
•10/2011 Merging of ICO and Japan Somalia Youth Organization
•11/2011 Regularly scheduled Skype conference calls begin
•3/2012 First onsite activities (3/12-28)
Presentation reporting on first onsite activities
•9/2012 Nagai attends talk session at UN Refugee Agency film festival
•10/2012 Launch of two projects: Study abroad Project (SAP) and Cheer up Somali Sports Project (CSSP)
•1/2013 Japan Somalia Youth Organization opens photography exhibition “Somalia, Light and a World of Conflict”
•2/2013 Second onsite activities (2/5-18)
First onsite CSSP program
The CSSP program in the Eastleigh suburb focuses on donations of sports goods
•6/2013 Waseda University International Community Center (ICC) Event
“Somalia and Cafes: Somalia in Conflict, ‘reality’ and ‘hope’”
•8/2013 Third onsite activities (8/14-9/9)
Trials begin for “Movement with Gangsters”
•9/2013 Nagai stays in Somalia’s violent southern region with support from the African Union Mission in Somalia
•3/3014 Fourth onsite activities (3/12-26)
With participation of gang-affiliate youths, flagship project “Movement with Gangsters” officially launches
•5/2014 Japan Somalia Youth Organization participates in NHK Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Project “One million people’s flowers bloom.”
In response to the NHK Project’s request for messages to those affected by the earthquake, Somali members send video message from Somalia.
•9/2014 Fifth onsite activities (9/2-18)
Flagship project “Movement with Gangsters”achieves standardization with successful implementation of “cycle” system
•3/2015 Sixth onsite activities (3/10-26)
•3/2015 Nagai receives Waseda University’s Asuza Ono Memorial Award, graduates from School of Education.
•8/2015 Seventh onsite activities (8/20-9/10)
•9/2015 Nagai enrolls in London School of Economics and Political Science
•3/2016 Eighth onsite activities (3/19-4/5)
•5/2016 Nagai participates in ICC hosted event to discuss how young Japanese and Somalis are addressing the Somali conflict and working to create a future without terrorism
•7/2016 Nagai begins new activities in Somalia
Students listen intently to Nagai at ICC event
Words from Waseda student members
Shiori Sekiguchi（Japan representative of Japan Somalia Youth Organization）is a fourth year student at the School of Culture, Media and Society. She is from Kanagawa Prefecture. She joined the Japan Somalia Youth Organization in June 2013 and since spring 2015 has served as the organization’s Japan representative. (Twitter: @chgchigu)
Shiori Sekiguchi
This is my second year as the organization’s Japan representative. Although there have been many challenges along the way I will never forgot the first time I went to Nairobi and met with gang member Abdirashid in September 2014. When I first met Abdirashid he was struggling to find a job. He told me, “In the future I would like to make some money and make my girlfriend happy.” At that time his situation prevented him from making his humble dream come true. However, after joining “Movement with Gangsters” he established clear goals and half a year later received a scholarship to study civil engineering in New Zealand. Although at first he was seeking stability, after joining our project he told us, “I now understand that I am a ‘youth leader’ meant to seek solutions to the problems facing Somalia. I want to devote myself to the recovery of my country.” I was incredibly moved how much a single interaction between people changed Abdirashid.
Risako Matsuda (PR manager of Japan Somalia Youth Organization) is a second year student at the School of Social Sciences. She is from Kanagawa Prefecture. She joined the Japan Somalia Youth organization in April 2015 and has served as PR manager since 2016. (Twitter：@matudy_17)
Risako Matsuda
Hearing Nagai say, “more so than being ready to die, be ready to live” marked a turning point in my life. I initially thought that “being ready to die” was the strongest conviction of all until I heard Nagai say these words. When I was told that I “should live my life by facing the problems in front of me and use my inherent strength to solve them,” I became optimistic and began thinking that “even a normal student like me can help.”
Toshiyuki Tomioka (member of Japan Somalia Youth Organization) is a first year student at the School of Law. He is from Iwate Prefecture. He joined the Japan Somalia Youth Organization in spring 2016. (Twitter：@tmok_tsyk)
Toshiyuki Tomioka
I was inspired when Nagai told us to “accomplish what only us students can do.” What I thought was a weakness, my status as ‘student,’ became a strength. Whenever I felt the need to take action I only concerned myself with what was ‘realistic’ but the principles behind the Japan Somalia Youth Organization inspired me. Joining helped me realize that principles alone can set things in motion.
Japanese version1
Japanese version2
