The Somali-speaking PEN aims to promote and protect literature and cultural creativity badly affected by the civil war in Somalia, and to defend freedom of expression. It also provides a badly needed forum for writers, journalists, oral poets and other members of the creative community in the Somali-speaking Horn of Africa where literary and cultural creators have been shattered by many years of violent conflict; the centre seeks to encourage members of this creative community to use their art in promoting the values of a culture of peace and in support of sustainable development in this war-torn region; it fosters the use of literature as a vehicle for better understanding, cooperation and mutual respect between peoples of the region.