[liberationtech] Advice for Somali NGOs?

[Steven Clift]

Thank you for the Tactical Tech link Michael. The reason I posted this query
is to find some starting point sources folks prefer here over others. What
is more trusted or less objectionable?

Since this is a real world scenario where according to the NGOs at my
session young people with mobiles ARE putting up YouTube videos of bombing
scenes and using Facebook from their phones and cybercafes in Somalia to
share information (apparently it is standard practice to use aliases on
public sites for all sorts of reasons from being dismissed because you are
from such and such clan etc. to hoping to be more safe). In this conflict
zone, we have a weak state but severe retribution with summary execution
possible by insurgents.

So are there additional links to pass along?

Not just how to, but perhaps something sobering that could frame an
exploration by an NGO active in the region, a reminder for staff at the
Somali UN mission, etc.  on this issue.

If more folks think the advice should be tell the youth to stop risking
their lives by taking and posting video, etc. please speak up. If the risk
of sharing first person war news trumps possible desirable outcomes that
might come out from bringing attention to killings etc. in a civil war
please let me know. I mean that seriously. I don't know what is best and I
don't want to suggest a resource in a way that might encourage more people
to take ill advised risks. On the other hand to not help those taking risks
already be marginally safer seems irresponsible.

Also, after following the debate here for a few months, folks here seem to
prefer a model where working with a trusted Westerner who is an expert in
the field that provides support is best. I don't know how some of you got
connected to folks in China or Iran, but if you or your organization would
like to be listed as a resource contactable by folks active in Somalia, let
me know. I am not that kind of expert, but perhaps you are?

Thanks,
Steven Clift
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.stanford.edu/pipermail/liberationtech/attachments/20101021/9650e631/attachment.html>