Hussein Yusuf
Hussein Yusuf's life changed forever in 1991 when insurgents drove his family out Somalia. His family returned to Somalia several times after, whereupon his father set up feeding stations for refugees. Upon return, Yusuf was forbidden by his father from joining the tribal militias and to this day sees himself as a refugee. At the age of 18, Yusuf fled to Yemen where he volunteered with refugees and worked later with Partners for Development, an implementing partner for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In lieu of formal high education, Yusuf was able to use his research and language skills to benefit his work with refugees.
Hussein's work included interviewing refugees for repatriation and providing financial assistance and data regarding housing, medicine and food. As a committed service provider for internally displaced persons and refugees, Yusuf dedicated more than eight years working with numerous rescue organizations. Adamant about never forgetting the feeling of being a refugee, Yusuf continues to pursue studies all the while reflecting on his childhood.
As a current M.S. student at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), Yusuf is humbled to be in an environment where he can shed light on the issues which divide the world. Loyal to his country of birth, Yusuf hopes ICAR will help him explore and resolve the conflict in Somalia. He believes that the process to solve Somalia's conflict must involve individuals who understand the country's historical oppressions, folklore, and mythical roots of the people.
Hussein's main objectives for his research are largely driven by stories of lineages, oppressions, power, identity, and European colonialism. He hopes that ICAR will help him produce research that will contribute to lasting peace in Somalia.