Hargeisa, January 22, 2026 – The Daami Youth Development Organization (DYDO) has successfully concluded an intensive two-day training program on Digital Security and Resilience. The event, held with support from the Hivos Project, aimed to enhance the safety, operational capacity, and long-term resilience of civil society networks across Somaliland.
The training brought together over 58 participants, including human rights defenders, journalists, community-based organizers, and representatives from vulnerable minority groups.
Facilitated by Digital Security Specialist Mr. Ahmed Abdi, the program provided practical, context-aware strategies to counter escalating digital threats. As civil society increasingly depends on digital platforms for advocacy and outreach, the curriculum focused on mitigating risks such as surveillance, phishing attempts, data breaches, online harassment, and doxxing—threats that pose particular danger to marginalized communities.
Strengthening Digital Foundations for Civil Society and Youth Rights Defenders with support from HIVOS/ Digital Defenders Partnership (DDP) and Hivos.
During the official opening, DYDO Director Mr. Mahmoud Abdi emphasized the critical importance of digital preparedness. “Digital security is no longer optional; it is essential for protecting our organizational integrity, safeguarding sensitive data, and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve,” he said.
He further highlighted the broader national significance of such initiatives: “In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a strategic imperative. It requires dedicated practices, robust tools, secure infrastructure, and—most importantly—skilled human resources. Every sector must contribute to protecting our national data and the digital identity of every citizen.”
This training represents a key step forward in fortifying the digital defenses of Somaliland’s civil society, youth rights derenders , while ensuring that activists and organizations can continue their vital work in a more secure and sustainable manner
DYDO distributed the “Digital Security Toolkit for Human Rights Defenders” to all participants at the conclusion of the training. This handbook was developed as part of the project “Enhancing Digital Security and Resilience for Minority and Youth Rights Defenders in Somaliland,” with support from Digital Defenders Partnership (DDP) and Hivos.
