Workshop on Strengthening the Role of Bay Business Community in Peacebuilding

3-6 of February 2008 Baidoa,

Bay region, Somalia

On February 3-6, 2008, the Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD), conducted four days workshop for Bay Business groups in Baidoa. This workshop was the first of its kind to take place in the region for business groups. It was also the first time that these diversified business groups meet. The main purpose of the event was to strengthen the role of Bay business community in peacebuilding activities while at the same time building better relations among Bay business groups.

This workshop came after CRD research team conducted last month two consultation meetings for these business groups. The aim of these consultation meetings was to find out the level of cooperation among these business groups and reasons of having two different chairpersons. Exploring the possibility of bringing together Bay business was also part of conducting these consultation meetings. As result of these two consultation meetings, it became apparent the need for the workshop of strengthening the role of Bay business for business groups of peacebuilding activities.

Participants profile:

The number participants of the workshop were 43-businesspersons. The participants were the most well known business people in Bay region. They were from the different sectors of business enterprises in the region, such as; telecommunication companies, different existing money remittances, varied export & import companies etc.

The outcome of the workshop:

1. Increased level of understanding of business groups in peacebuilding and increased level of enthusiasm among business groups participation of peacebuilding activities.

2. Participants shared new business ideas.

3. Increased the level of trust/cooperation among Bay business groups

4. Established peacebuilding and humanitarian committee and they will meet weekly.

5. Collection of funds for peacebuilding and humanitarian activities in the region, and this money will be used for peacebuilding and humanitarian assistants for the region. Below is the names of committee members and the positions they will act within the peacebuilding and humanitarian committee;

a. Ibrahim Abdullahi Aadan (Buurfuule) Chairperson

b. Macalin Hajiyow Mohamed Buule Vice-chair

c. Sharif Ahmed Ali Garre Spokesman

d. Sheikh Isaaq Ibrahim Accountant

e. Bintow Sharif Sheegow Cashier

f. Ali Adan Hussein (Ali Margous) Member

g. Aamina Mohamed Nuur Member

6. Finally, participants agreed principally formulating a structured business group for Bay region that will be different from the previous one. This led the formation of another committee of fifteen from all the sectors of business. The main task of this committee will be organizing of upcoming election meeting. Names of this committee are as following;.

1. Yuusuf Xaaji Maxamed “Garweyne”

2. Maxamed Ibraahim Xasan “MadeyYarow”

3. Maxamed maxamed Nuur

4. Axmed Macalin Isaaq

5. Saciid maxamed Cali

6. Ibraahim Cali Cabdi

7. C/maalik Shiikh Ibraahim

8. Xuseen Maxamed Cumar

9. Ibraahim Xaaji Maxamuud “Farajale”

10. Xaaji Amiin Macalin C/laahi

11. Xasan Siidoow Amiin

12. Maxamed Shiikh Maxamed Nuur

13. Yaroow C/laahi Ibraahim

14. Maxamed Nuur Maxamed Xasan “ Haji Sabca” 15. Abshir Ibraahim Maxamed “Waawaay