5

This article begins with a definition of Somali terms used to identify young people today (kuray, gaashaanqaad, sindheer, mooryaan, day-day...) and a discussion of their role in Somali society at various times in its history. It then seeks to describe the evolutionary process which began with society providing a structural base for young Somalis but ended in bloodshed and revolt. The last part of the article reviews the current situation for these young people, whose lives are affected by a civil conflict now running out of steam and the moves towards peace which were established at the Arta Conference in Djibouti.