Lifeline organization completed the implementation of promoting peace and reconciliation activities through an Arts and Cultural festival in Marka supported by the Daryaal program funded by IOM. The Art and Culture Festivals in Lower Shabelle was instrumental in promoting peace, security, reconciliation and cohesion among the community through the sharing of local Somali arts and culture with additional on-site mentorship from Somalia’s well-known musicians.This resulted in the formation of an Artists and Musician Committee, a community-based committee for culture and arts with representation of youth and local artists from four locations in South-West States. The selection of the committee members had representation from the different clans in the area and gender representation. Using an advocacy approach of hosting artists and local musicians to promote security and reconcile communities who withhold past traumas by bringing target groups together through shared entertainment experiences. We have learnt from this program that arts and culture can significantly reconcile communities and create integration.
