“Reintegration over Eradication”. Programme for the Deradicalization of Islamists in Somalia. Rehabilitation Center Serendi

Abstract

The article, based on open sources, examines the Programme for the deradicalization of Islamists, which has been operating in Somalia since 2013. The program, along with other local projects, is an example of ‘soft measures’ when interacting with Islamists. The article notes that the Program includes five main stages, or phases: outreach, reception, screening, rehabilitation and reintegration. The biggest problem is caused by the screening stage, when ex-fighters must be classified into two groups ‘high-risk persons’ and ‘low-risk persons’. People with low risk are voluntarily sent to one of 9 rehabilitation centers. The author points out that the Serendi Center in Mogadishu provides the residents of the programme with opportunities for school education, vocational training, and psychological assistance. Sessions with imams are held in Serendi as part of the religious deradicalization programme. Center residents have the opportunity to keep in touch with their family through regular visits and weekend vacations. An important stage of the Program is the reintegration phase. The position of the leaders of the communities has a decisive influence on the success of the Programme. The author notes that the key problem in the implementation of the deradicalization programme is the problem of safety for all involved actors: programme participants, their families and employees of the rehabilitation center.