Peace Week in Baidoa – FCA helps celebrate culture and sport in Somalia
A celebration of sports and culture took place in Baidoa, Somalia this August. FCA organised activities together with local government, as part of a longstanding peace project.
BAIDOA IS the largest city in Somalia’s South-West state and has historically been a prominent center for entertainment and sports. However, decades of unrest significantly impacted the city’s ability to host and celebrate its cultural and sporting traditions. As stability begins to return, there is renewed hope and excitement among residents to once again come together and celebrate tournaments, arts, and longstanding traditions.
FCA’s MIDEEYE Peace Project, works in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior of Southwest State of Somalia and FCA’s sister organisation, The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.
MIDEEYE aims to sustain peace, foster reconciliation, and promote conflict resolution through dialogue and acceptance. A key ingredient in nourishing peace dividends is through sports and culture. These events ignite positive emotions and bring new perspectives that can energise and inspire an atmosphere of optimism and acceptance.
During Baidoa’s Peace Week celebrations, FCA’s MIDEEYE project team, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, and sports and cultural groups, brought together diverse teams for football, women’s basketball, and cultural exhibitions. This was done to promote community interaction and, most importantly, to enjoy the peace dividend by showcasing local talents.
Tournament for women’s basketball teams
For the first time in this year, a basketball tournament exclusively for female athletes was held at the basketball stadium in Baidoa. Eight prominent teams were selected by the Athletes Federation of South-West State. The tournament followed a round-robin format, and after a week of intense competition, the Berdale team emerged victorious and was awarded the championship cup.
Sa’ido Hassan Ali, the Chairperson of the Baidoa Basketball Federation, stated that these events inspire more women to participate in sports. She stressed that sports are a basic right for everyone and also demonstrate peace and inclusivity.
“This year, we are hosting our second tournament. The previous tournament was organised internally, and we are now grateful to FCA and the Ministry for their support and collaboration in making this tournament possible. It is essential to incorporate women in these sporting events to promote peace and foster a collective sense of pride,” said Sa’ido.
Men’s youth football competition
At Jinawkey Stadium in Baidoa, teams representing various neighborhoods participated in a tournament that served as a significant component of Peace Week. According to Issack Hassan Mohamed, the chairman of Baidoa Youth Groups, the event not only showcased remarkable talent, but also exemplified exceptional sportsmanship. Spanning multiple days, the tournament provided a valuable platform for aspiring and established athletes alike to showcase their abilities and compete for the championship cup.
Issack, who was key to organising youth groups to participate in the tournament, expressed his appreciation to FCA and the Ministry for their understanding and active engagement with the youth. He emphasised the importance of supporting tournaments that encourage and elevate football skills and morale.
“Football is a key factor when it comes to global peace, and we consider these kinds of opportunities very important. Youth are full of energy; we should let them come out and shine, make them feel a sense of community and belonging. This is what peace means in the language of sports,” Issack stated.
Cultural performances
During Peace Week celebrations, Baidoa was brought to life with a vibrant cultural performance. The event took place in the city’s basketball stadium and showcased traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances that beautifully highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Baidoa. This initiative aimed to foster a sense of peace, belonging, and harmony among residents, thereby reinforcing the community’s commitment to unity during this meaningful week.
“The cultural performance was a wonderful demonstration of our collective spirit and diversity,” continued Issack, the Baidoa Youth Chairman. “By coming together to celebrate our traditions and share our stories, we are strengthening the bonds between us and building a more cohesive community. Events like these are essential for promoting peace and creating a sense of belonging in Baidoa.” The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from attendees underscored the success of the event in achieving its goal of enhancing community harmony and solidarity.
As part of the MIDEEYE Project, funded by Finland’s Foreign Ministry, these activities contribute to peace-building efforts in the region. By providing platforms for talent and cultural expression, such events foster healing and reconciliation, paving the way for a more harmonious future in Baidoa and Somalia’s South-West state.
Text: Mohamed Bile
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