Mogadishu, Somalia — As the sun set over Mogadishu, the elegant Hayat Hotel became the stage for CAFIS’s Gala Dinner and Awards Night, a celebration honoring individuals and initiatives dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and Somalia’s healing journey. The evening brought together community leaders, victims, politicians, religious scholars, journalists, athletes, and citizens in a shared commitment to forgiveness and unity.
Somali amputee footballers were awarded trophies at Engineer Yarisow Stadium in celebration of Forgiveness Day, honoring their resilience and promoting reconciliation through sport.
The ballroom radiated an atmosphere of solemn celebration and quiet joy, with awards recognizing courage, resilience, and dedication to peace. Amputee football teams and Somalia’s legendary footballers proudly lifted their trophies, symbolizing not just sporting achievement, but the bridging of past glory with a hopeful future. Yet the true triumph of the evening lay in the bonds formed: former adversaries shared meals and handshakes, embodying the spirit of reconciliation.
The event also highlighted meaningful dialogue between people with disabilities—including the blind—and able-bodied attendees. They addressed issues such as derogatory language and called for mutual respect, emphasizing shared humanity. The conversation ended with tea and dinner, a gesture rooted in Somali culture that reinforced trust and hospitality.
CAFIS Chairman Mohamed Mohamed Adde addressed the gathering with urgency, reminding attendees that forgiveness must extend beyond a single night. “Tonight we have witnessed miracles. However, our work is far from complete. This month alone, dozens of individuals lost their lives in Beledhawo and Doolow. Forgiveness must be a daily commitment across Somalia,” he said.
Guest speaker Hussein Adam Musa, a veteran Sudanese journalist, drew parallels between Somali and Sudanese reconciliation practices. He encouraged Somali communities to adopt traditional dispute resolution methods to prevent repeated conflicts and promote lasting forgiveness.
The awards ceremony also honored journalists for promoting peace, with sports journalist Mohamed Qalinle winning Best Peace Story for his narrative linking football and reconciliation. Qalinle’s work, reaching over 16 million social media impressions, amplified CAFIS’s message nationwide and beyond.
The gala concluded as a powerful testament to Somalia’s capacity for unity, healing, and shared hope, proving that even a nation scarred by decades of conflict can come together to envision a peaceful future.
