Addressing Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention in Dadaab

In the vast expanse of northern Kenya lies the Dadaab complex, a series of camps that have become home to thousands of Somali refugees. Within these camps, a pressing issue has emerged over the years: the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly affecting jobless young men. The Youth Organisations’ Alliance has taken up the mantle to shed light on this issue, conducting an extensive study over seven months that reveals unsettling truths about the lives affected.

According to the chairman of the alliance, Mohamed Abdullahi Jimale, as many as 80,000 individuals—approximately one-fifth of the camp population—are grappling with addiction. He states that, “When we collected data, it became clear that the number of people, especially young people, using drugs has increased.” This rise can be largely attributed to the pervasive unemployment that plagues the camps. Once-thriving organizations that offered job opportunities now struggle with financial hardships, leaving many young individuals feeling trapped and desperate.

There is an undeniable frustration among these youth, who viewed migration as a glimmer of hope for a better life—a hope that now feels out of reach. The combination of these factors has led many down a path of substance use as a means of coping. But what does this cycle of despair look like? Let’s reflect on the poignant stories of those directly impacted.

Take the case of Ali Jama, a 24-year-old who has become entangled in the web of addiction. “I have to use it every day because if I don’t, I get restless. My anger increases, and I become impatient,” he shares. He smokes an average of 15 cigarettes a day alongside regular use of hashish. Days spent without a hit spiral into mood swings that can provoke violence, painting a vivid picture of a young man losing control over his own life.

“My relationship with my parents has greatly deteriorated,” Ali reflects somberly. Trust, once a foundation in his family, has eroded away. As Ali observes, “You can trust someone before they become a drug addict, but once you’re addicted, that trust is lost.” Despite being a promising student who graduated high school in 2020, his hopes were dashed as addiction took center stage. Ali reminisces about his past: “I once had a job designing business advertisements, earning 5,000 to 7,000 Kenyan shillings a month, which helped with education and household needs. But I couldn’t sustain it due to my addiction.”

It’s vital to recognize that addiction doesn’t just steal one’s ability to dream; it dismantles relationships and self-worth. Ali confides, “I know I’m on the wrong path, but I pray to God for a way out. Many things pushed us into using substances. Personally, I felt lost in my desire to leave the camps.” His story raises a haunting question: What do we do when hope fades into despair?

Yet, amidst the gloom, there are glimmers of hope. Mohamed Elmi Jama is another camp resident who has managed to break free from the clutches of addiction. After four turbulent years of substance abuse, he turned his life around in 2024. “When I quit drugs, my life transformed,” he affirms. “I sleep well, eat well, and my relationships have healed. My parents love me again.” His narrative stands as a testament to the possibility of recovery, a beacon for others still caught in addiction’s grip.

Reflecting on his past, Mohamed acknowledges the turbulent journey that led him to prison, where he spent time due to the actions he took while under the influence. “I faced a lot of trouble I can’t forget,” he admits. Yet, his story has shifted. Now employed with a construction company, he contributes to his family’s upkeep and actively participates in community awareness campaigns concerning substance abuse.

“Substance abuse isn’t just a personal battle; it’s a community issue,” says Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ibrahim, manager of the Al-Baqra health center in Hagadera camp. An alarming array of substances circulates among the youth, from khat and alcohol to prescription medications. “The risks are significant,” he warns, highlighting the physical and psychological toll that addiction can impose.

As we consider the struggles of young individuals like Ali and the triumph of those like Mohamed, it begs the question: Is enough being done to break this cycle of despair? Communities must unite in addressing the factors that give rise to substance abuse, navigating the tough terrain of mental health, unemployment, and hope. Awareness campaigns, job opportunities, and mental health support are essential, but they require persistent effort and collaboration.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by pastoralist communities in Dadaab are more than statistics; they are narratives filled with human emotion, resilience, and longing for change. It is only through collective action and compassion that we can begin to heal these wounds and foster a brighter future for all.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring