The panel will discuss the following issues:

The “forgotten conflict” in Somalia with an overview of recent evolutions and challenges.
The role of bottom-up initiatives in building a new future for Somalia: What has been achieved? Who has been benefiting from these initiatives? What have been key factors of success? What are the key challenges?
The role of the international community, and the EU in particular, in providing support to Somalia in a long term perspective.
Can lessons be drawn from Somalia for other regions in conflict in Africa?

The panelists are:

Ilwad Elman, Elman Peace Centre
Lidet Tadesse, ECDPM Associate Director, Peaceful Societies and Accountable Governance
Ambassador Nicholas Berlanga, EEAS, former EU Ambassador to Somalia
Stijn Vercruysse, Journalist on Africa, Belgian-Flemish Radio and TV (VRT)

Moderated by Geert Laporte, Senior Executive-ECDPM & Director-European Think Tanks Group (ETTG)