Mogadishu, 24 August 2016 – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark reaffirmed the UN agency’s strong support for the development, peace-building, and state-building processes underway in Somalia during her visit to the country today.
In line with UNDP’s continued support to strengthen technical capacity and skills of parliamentary staffers; twenty one (21) Secretariat staff members (7 women and 14 men) of Somaliland House of Elders (the Guurti) received training on the procedural and administrative functions to contribute to the smooth-running of the house activities Funded by the European Union, United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway, the training is part of an initial set of activities jointly implemented by UNDP Parliamentary Support Project and the House of Elders in the areas of strategic planning, capacity building for leadership, committees and MPs in general, constituency outreach and strengthening security infrastructure.
UNDP Parliamentary Support Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the parliaments in the region to become agents of change for their people. This has been possible with the financial support of our donors.
Yasmin Hussein is a 24 years old Police officer from Somaliland and today she is one of the graduates from University of Hargeisa. She had joined the Somaliland Police almost four years ago immediately after she had completed her secondary school. She had seen a television commercial on local TV channel that recruitments were ongoing and that new police officers were required. This is when she took the opportunity and applied for the job and her candidature was accepted. Yasmin was inducted into the police at the Mandhera Police Academy and after the training she was appointed to the Deputy Police Commissioner’s office as an assistant. She was nominated for the two-year diploma programme among 60 other officers. After a written exam by the University, Yasmin was one of the 30 officers accepted to undergo the course. Today she is happy that she graduated from this programme and ready to take what she learned back to the community. “I have high hopes, I always wanted to be a Police officer. I am not going to stop until I become the Commissioner” she said.
Yasmin’s story is that of one of the 22 men & 8 women who graduated today from University of Hargeisa after completion of a two-year scholarship programme funded by European Union through the UN supported Joint Rule of Law Programme. The programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Somaliland Police to be able to provide better services to the community in a more professional manner.
During this two-year programme, the students have successfully completed four semesters covering about 24 courses including criminology, terrorism, cybercrime, international law, conflict resolution, identifying criminals, money laundering and others.
The University’s President Prof. Mohamoud Farah congratulated the graduates and expressed his gratitude for UNDP’s technical and financial assistance during the entire course of the programme. “We at the university are ready to provide the platform and means to capacitate Police officers and extend the programme to provide Degree certificates which will be more results oriented and meaningful” said the President. The Somaliland Police Commissioner was also present at this important ceremony and congratulated all the students and the Law faculty.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law Mr. Mohamoud Hussein thanked EU and UNDP for the support and the good collaboration. “We are keen to focus on better educated police to serve the needs of the community.
Saeed Abdillahi from UNDP Hargeisa office congratulated the students and mentioned that this programme was part of a wider police reforms programme that was being implemented through the UN’sJoint Rule of Law programme. The reforms programme includes support for the development of police legislation, police strategic plan and overall systemic reforms for the Somaliland police service. This scholarship programme is one of the Somaliland Police Reform’s Strategic Priorities that contributes in the realization of a dynamic police that is competent and professionally well-trained.
UNDP Parliamentary Support Project had been supporting Somali National Federal, Somaliland and Puntland parliaments to function as inclusive, transparent and effective law-making bodies which engage in national dialogue on policy priorities, peace-building across a divided political spectrum and state-building as efforts are made to implement the Provisional Constitution.
In 2016, UNDP has extended its partnership to Somaliland Upper House, Jubaland and Galmudug Legislative Assemblies with the project support being closely aligned to the priority needs of the parliaments in fulfilling their obligations towards core functions (legislative, representative and oversight).
Galmudug Parliament had been provided with a three-day workshop on legislative drafting aimed at introducing MPs to the fundamentals and techniques of legislative drafting. The workshop took place at Adado Presidential building. The Speaker of the Parliament, second Deputy Speaker and over 50 MPs participated the three-day’s workshop. The workshop focused on addressing the needs of the MP’s especially in considering the significant number of legislative drafting challenges that individual committees and MPs will be able to overcome as a result of participating in this workshop.
Galmudug Parliament expressed its gratitude to UNDP for this and qualified expert who delivered the workshop. This resulted in a better understanding of MP’s of the legislative drafting. They learnt how to perform Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to enhance the quality of laws and consider the social, economic, political and environmental impacts of a draft-laws. With this training, they now know what makes a well-drafted legislation.”
With support of the EU, UK, Norway, and Sweden; UNDP Parliamentary Support Project works towards the enhancement and strengthening of the technical and functional capacity of the Parliaments and Parliamentarians in Somalia so that they can be transparent, accountable and moreover make laws that serve the best interests of the people and communities they represent.
As severe drought situation is reported in some areas of Somaliland and the government is mobilizing local communities to provide assistance to affected people in those areas. National Environment Research and Disasters Preparedness Authority (NERAD) has a regular collaboration with those communities in early warning mechanisms of the disasters before they happen.
In relation to this, UNDP, UNOCHA and National Environment Research and Disasters Preparedness Authority (NERAD), conducted a 20-days long training for the staff of NERAD which was completed in Hargeisa . The objective of the training was to improve the skills of the staff to manage disasters in collaboration with the local communities as well as the international community.
15 NERAD staff from the regions of Somaliland and the headquarters have been trained on Disaster Risk Management, Early Warning Systems and Preparedness.
The commissioner of NERAD, Mr. Mohamed Muse Awale described the training as essential and benefiting for the staff. “This training is very encouraging and we will try to make it habitual and the participating staff highly appreciate it” said Mr. Awale.
“The women who attended the training have shown incredible skills and knowledge. I have full confidence that they will occupy senior positions in NERAD in the near future” says the Commissioner.
Ms. Nadira Nur Egeh, a University graduate currently engaged at NERAD with UNDP supported internship programme described the training as interesting, useful and timely.
“UNDP will continue its support to the Somaliland people and this training will strengthen the capacity of NERAD staff to manage disasters” Said Mr. Sergei Pushkarev, UNDP head of area office.
This training was part of a joint Disaster Risk Management Programme and it has plans to build the capacity of NERAD staff. The programme address the challenges of disasters at national and community level.
Somali Civil Society, in collaboration with the Aid Coordination Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation and UNDP through its Strengthening Institutional Performance Project organized a civil society engagement workshop in Mogadishu on 12-13 March 2016.
This responds to the will of the Government of Somalia and development partners of promoting inclusive engagement of multiple stakeholders –amongst which civil society- in the implementation of the Somali Compact and the future National Development Plan. There is common understanding that, although civil society is increasingly participating in Somali political and developmental initiatives, more needs to be done to ensure an effective contribution.
The workshop, which followed a series of 5 regional consultations held in late 2015 in Garowe, Adado, Baidoa, Kismayo and Mogadishu, aimed at deepening reflection amongst Civil society Organizations on how they can better contribute to development and reconstruction of Somalia, strengthen internal coordination and improve dialogue with the Somali State and other stakeholder groups as well as on capturing views of Somali CSOs on the quality of public-private dialogue in the country. 49 participants (53% of whom women) attended the workshop.
This initiative makes part of the Proposal of support to civil society engagement in New Deal implementation in Somalia funded by the New Deal Facility. The findings of the workshop will feed the 2nd Monitoring Round of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, which the Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation is leading, and might be considered in the aid management and coordination chapter of the National Development Plan.
The workshop stimulated groups’ discussions on how to set up spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue on national development policies, accountability and transparency, official development cooperation with CSOs, legal and regulatory environment for improved civil society engagement, and Somalia’s readiness to host, create or sustain a public-private dialogue process. Participants agreed on the fact that there is a lack of coherent structures that facilitate engagement of civil society organizations, which leads to disconnection between CSOs and the governments (FGS, regional). They argue that a limited number of CSOs interact directly with governments and donors, and do not share information with the wider civil society. This results in a weakening of the role of the CSOs in the national dialogue.
UNDP Somalia will continue to support multi-stakeholder dialogue, coordination, inclusiveness and institutional strengthening as a means to promote peacebuilding/state-building goals and to accelerate transition from fragility towards resilience and development.
Dry seasons and water shortages have been a constant problem in the Puntland region of Somalia. Scarcity of water and the lack of rain restricts pastoralists who struggle to provide bare necessity to their livestock, which is their source of livelihood. Paying to use With UNDP’s Environment and Energy Project support, the Ministry of Environment and the Karkar region constructed a sand dam in Biygadud in Bander Bayla to help curb the effects of seasonal droughts and climate change for the Dhudo community. This dam, the first of its kind constructed in Puntland, was handed over to the community in November.
Water shortages in Puntland and across Somalia create an extreme lack of access and raised tensions in the community. People in this area were forced to use berkades (traditional water catchments) which could cost $6 for essential water to feed their families and livestock, and the long journey was dangerous. In Somalia, less than 30% of the population have access to clean water – and in the worst conflict affected areas in the south, that drops to 20% . This reduces access to sanitation and hygeine, and increases the risks of waterborne diseases. Health problems due to unsafe water also puts extra burden on poor households as they have to spend major portion of their meager incomes to medicines.
Ahmed Gesod, is a livestock owner who was affected by the water shortages. “Water is life and our first priority, no one can survive without water,” he said. Mr. Gesod was thrilled with the dam construction as he will be able to save the money he used to be charged for water and put it towards other basic needs for his family.
The dam was strategically placed 75KM away from the Dhudo village between Bander Bayla and Dhudo, a central location where nomadic people and communities from a large swath of the area could access water supply for livestock and agriculture. With help from El Nino rainfalls, the dam was able to conserve nearly 40,000 cubic meters of water this year. That supply can last up to four to six months.
Building resilience to climatic events is critical for Somalia as the country stabilizes after decades of conflict and commits long-term development for its people Now, local authorities and communities own and manage their own water resources, and the berkades are improving access to water for local communities and their livestock at an affordable price.
Mr. Abdulkadir, the Governor of Karkar, is encouraged by the impact made by the construction of the dam. “I grew up here and remember water passing by the seasonal river. We would get water on the first day then have water runoff. We then would have to travel 25km to the closest water supply. I am happy to see that nomadic communities can now store water and live in the same area during dry seasons,” he said.
UNDP’s Environment Programme works with government and communities to ensure that Somali men and women benefit equally from improved natural resource management. With support from the Global Environment Facility Least Developed Countries Climate Fund, United Nations Environment Programme and Germany, UNDP works directly with communities to enhance climate resilience, particularly, against seasonal droughts and floods, improve access to renewable energy sources and disasters preparedness.
To ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment, UNDP draws on its institutional knowledge and expertise to improve awareness about the adverse impacts of climate change, enhance national capacities for sustainable management of natural resources, implement best environmental management practices that benefit Somalis (men and women) and demonstrate innovative renewable energy and energy efficient solutions.
This week, the Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) held an introductory consultation meeting in Mogadishu to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The new development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, commonly known as the Global Goals, was adopted at the UN General Assembly in September 2015. The 17 SDGs approach to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030, picking up where the Millennium Development Goals left off. The meeting, supported by UNDP was held at the Jazeera hotel which was badly damaged in a terrorist attack less than 7 months ago, further demonstrating Somalia’s resilience and dedication to development.
The new SDGs apply in every single country of the world - and to every single person - because governments have committed to leaving no one behind. The new SDGs encourage localized goals at regional and national levels. Somalia is focusing on its role with the SDGs, and what the government at all levels can do to the meet the goals and support the Somali people. This shift demonstrates the changes in Somalia over the last two years, from failed state to recovering and now these are first steps to move to developing state.
The Deputy Prime Minster, H.E. Mohamed Omar encouraged the need for government to feel ownership, leadership and coordination of SDGs. He also noted that real threats are developing in terms of natural disasters and climate change, issues that the government and international partners need to develop sustainable solutions for. He noted that he did not have illusions on the challenging task ahead, but that hope will give people the power to make difference. He added that the SDGs will ensure the trust of people to government ability to provide security, economic development and better quality of life.
“The SDGs can be localized, and in the Somali context they can be further broken down to federal member states level,” said UNDP Somalia Deputy Country Director David Akopyan. “This will help the governments appropriately respond to the unique needs of their constituents. UNDP selected Somalia to be part of special global programme on SDGs and countries in crisis, because progress in this country is promising. Its time about longer term development and move from Vision 2016 to Vision 2030.”
The SDGs can be linked to the new National Development Plan (NDP), approved by the Federal Government in 2015, which builds on the New Deal Compact. The NDP is an opportunity for meaningful responses from a development perspective, in parallel with humanitarian and peacebuilding interventions. States should work together with the federal government on setting development goals and targets, as well as development planning. This kind of cooperation will foster more dialogue and peace among states and communities.
At the event, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, H.E Abdi Aynte, highlighted Somalia’s need prioritise the elimination of poverty, and improving energy, security and justice systems, which will require building of strong institutions that to tackle these issues.
The meeting saw wide representation by federal, state, and regional government authorites, civil society, media. In addition to the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, participants included Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Planning, deputy Minister of Planning, other cabinet Ministers, deputy Mayor of Mogadishu, deputy Minister of Planning for Galmudug State, ISWA Minister of Planning, EU Head of Delegation to Somalia, the Swedish Ambassador to Somalia, members from the federal parliament of Somalia, DGs of federal ministries, civil society organization, academia, representatives from Somali youth and media.
Yesterday marked the official opening of the model police station and community policing center in Gardo. Supported by UNDP’s Rule of Law project, the model police station was a reconstruction and add on from the previous station that was built in 1932. Both centers are running completely on solar energy.
In attendance were Vice President of Puntland Abdihakim Haji Abdullahi, UNDP Country Director George Conway, UNDP Head of Office Sayed Sahibzada, Police Commissioner Abdirizak, Mayor of Gardo Abdi Said, and Karkar Governor Abdi Quran. The opening of the ceremony included many community members, including Gardo’s community of Elders who appreciated the efforts made by UNDP.
Vice President Abdullahi thanked UNDP and recognized the collaborative efforts. “I am very happy and pleased with this new police station. UNDP has always been a partner with us and we hope this will continue over the years to come. A country cannot run without a proper functioning government and this is just another step for the Puntland State of Somalia to succeed,” he added.
Country Director George Conway was excited for his first trip to Gardo, and the progress being made with UNDP projects across Puntland. “I appreciate all the positive feedback of engagement and support in the community. I want to assure you we are committed to strengthen Gardo, as well as all across Puntland. We will continue to support the Government to ensure broader livelihoods support and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Fartun Ismail Mohamed is one of the two female legal aids in the center. “I am happy that I was trained and am able to do a job that will help my city. It is an exciting one and I hope more women will be open to this opportunity. We work well with the community members here, and I am excited about the work we will be doing to better the city of Gardo,” she said.
The Model Police Station in Gardo will be used to introduce key roles, functions, and procedures needed to create an accountable and transparent rights-oriented community based police service. The stations are designed to be easy to access for the community, and foster community engagement and specialist support for women, youth and vulnerable groups. In addition to the traditional police functions, the Model Police Stations are designed and adequately equipped to prioritise special attention to critical issues including Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
UNDP recognises the importance of the establishment of a well trained and equipped police force fully engaged with local communities in the protection of civilians and promotion of local peace. Concurrent to the police initiatives, UNDP also supports initiatives aimed at empowerment of local communities to facilitate their effective engagement and support for local security enhancement and democratic policing.
For more photos of the event: Yesterday marked the official opening of the model police station and community policing center in Gardo. Supported by UNDP’s Rule of Law project, the model police station was a reconstruction and add on from the previous station that was built in 1932. Both centers are running completely on solar energy.
In attendance were Vice President of Puntland Abdihakim Haji Abdullahi, UNDP Country Director George Conway, UNDP Head of Office Sayed Sahibzada, Police Commissioner Abdirizak, Mayor of Gardo Abdi Said, and Karkar Governor Abdi Quran. The opening of the ceremony included many community members, including Gardo’s community of Elders who appreciated the efforts made by UNDP.
Vice President Abdullahi thanked UNDP and recognized the collaborative efforts. “I am very happy and pleased with this new police station. UNDP has always been a partner with us and we hope this will continue over the years to come. A country cannot run without a proper functioning government and this is just another step for the Puntland State of Somalia to succeed,” he added.
Country Director George Conway was excited for his first trip to Gardo, and the progress being made with UNDP projects across Puntland. “I appreciate all the positive feedback of engagement and support in the community. I want to assure you we are committed to strengthen Gardo, as well as all across Puntland. We will continue to support the Government to ensure broader livelihoods support and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Fartun Ismail Mohamed is one of the two female legal aids in the center. “I am happy that I was trained and am able to do a job that will help my city. It is an exciting one and I hope more women will be open to this opportunity. We work well with the community members here, and I am excited about the work we will be doing to better the city of Gardo,” she said.
The Model Police Station in Gardo will be used to introduce key roles, functions, and procedures needed to create an accountable and transparent rights-oriented community based police service. The stations are designed to be easy to access for the community, and foster community engagement and specialist support for women, youth and vulnerable groups. In addition to the traditional police functions, the Model Police Stations are designed and adequately equipped to prioritise special attention to critical issues including Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
UNDP recognises the importance of the establishment of a well trained and equipped police force fully engaged with local communities in the protection of civilians and promotion of local peace. Concurrent to the police initiatives, UNDP also supports initiatives aimed at empowerment of local communities to facilitate their effective engagement and support for local security enhancement and democratic policing.
A three-day Consultative Process on Somalia’s Draft Political Parties Law concluded in Mogadishu on Monday 23 November 2015.
At least 200 delegates attended the consultative meeting. Participants included representatives of political parties, federal and regional administrations and the civil society.
“The draft legislation was compiled by experienced professionals and it has been circulated throughout the regions and civil society. The reason why we are further discussing on it today is to make sure all contentious issues are addressed. Your comments will inform the final draft of the bill which will be submitted to the cabinet and the legislature for further consideration,” announced the State Minister for Interior and Federalism, Mr. Abdirashid Mohamed Hidig.
The Minister explained that consultations on the draft law have been extensive, to ensure contentious phrases are fleshed out, amended or removed. The just ended consultations, was a culmination of wider efforts by the ministry of interior, to collect suggestions, ideas and opinions from diverse groups of people regarding the proposed new law.
“We strongly believe this country to be a country led by political parties and I want to promise that your views will be considered,”emphazised Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein Odawaa, the Minister of Interior and Federal Affairs:
At a press conference held at the end of the conference, officials from the Ministry of Interior and Federalism fielded questions from journalists on the proposed new law.\“Participants at this meeting played an important role in making positive contributions regarding the completion of this draft legislation. Their views and proposals will be considered. The ministry will present this draft legislation to the Cabinet as soon as possible, before tabling it before parliament,” Yahye Ali Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary for Interior and Federal Affairs said in a statement he read out to journalists at the press conference concluding the consultations.
With support from the EU, Italy, the UK, Norway, and Sweden, UNDP and UNSOM’s integrated UN electoral assistance team provides support and advisory guidance to the Federal Government of Somalia and the National Independent Electoral Commission on electoral processes and planning to support national state-building.
Building Blocks for Electoral Support
JPLG/UNDP Supports Interim South West State Administration (ISWA) Dialogue Forum on Decentralization
Senior Media Professionals Support Positive Gender Transformation in Somalia
Shukri is a Young Graduate in Garowe, Puntland.
The ability of a local government to deliver the highest standard of public service delivery requires a uniform, methodical and transparent recruitment process to ensure the best qualified and suitable individuals are employed. In Somalia, unclear local government recruitment practices have led to poor organizational performance, tension and even conflict. The momentum towards improved local government human resources systems and processes is laying the foundation for a professional and skilled local government workforce capable of delivering basic services to citizens.
As part of the Joint Programme for Local Governance (JPLG) with UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNCDF and ILO, UNDP helps address fundamental challenges faced by local governments and builds their capacity to deliver public services effectively. By strengthening the local government to provide basic services, JPLG/UNDP supports sustainable and effective development.
In 2014, the Government of Somaliland approved decentralization legislation, making the policy one of the government’s main priorities ensuring the provision of public service delivery at district level. The Decentralization Policy highlights “the authority for implementing a human resource management system for the recruitment, selection, performance appraisal, and dismissal will be within the scope of the local council to determine.”
“Our efforts to bring about tangible change were tough, but fortunately we (the Berbera Administration) had the support of the Ministry of Interior and we were able to bring in difficult reforms related to improving the capacity of our district personnel,” said Abdishakur Mohamud Hassan, the Mayor of Berbera. His statements came at a JPLG/UNDP supported meeting attended by Somaliland Mayors in Hargeisa in June 2015.
In 2013, JPLG/UNDP supported Somaliland’s Ministry of Interior to produce Local Government Employment Regulations and Procedures and a Human Resource Management Manual for Local Governments. The Human Resource Management Manual has been adopted by Somaliland and Employment Regulations were gazetted in February 2015.
In 2012, Berbera District Administration had very few management systems in place; it was dysfunctional and was not able to provide basic services. In 2013, there was commitment from Berbera District Administration to reform, supported by the Ministry of Interior and JPLG/UNDP. This was to make progress in support of the provision of basic health, primary education and water and sanitation services; as well as improve district infrastructure and promote local economic development.
During the reform process the number of local government departments were reduced from sixteen to six. “None of the previous directors’ had the knowledge and experience specified in the six newly-developed department Terms of Reference. Therefore, we had to recruit six new department directors, who were university educated, who had the right skills and qualifications and move the previous directors who took on the role of departmental section heads,” said Mayor Abdishakur Mohamud Hassan.
The Berbera Administration also established a personnel office that followed the policies and procedures outlined in the Human Resources Management Manual. “Every employee has a personnel file,” said Abdishakur Mohamud Hassan. “There is a policy in place on staff attendance. We implement employee performance assessment. We produce a payroll. We administer promotion and demotion (previously exercised through informal procedures). Serious cases of misconduct are investigated, mostly related to employees who were finger printed on the payroll of several Administrations’ in Somaliland. This led to their dismissal.”
“Improved management of district personnel is leading to improved local government capacity and a workforce that is qualified and motivated to deliver services,” said Mayor Abdishakur Mohamud Hassan. “The attitude of the citizens towards the Berbera administration is improving as they see our employees working to make progress.”
With the generous support of the European Commission, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and UK Aid, JPLG works closely with local counterparts in promoting improvements in the ability of local governments to provide equitable services to communities. In 2015, JPLG/UNDP continues to work to strengthen district capacity in support of improved public service delivery to citizens in eight districts of Somaliland - Hargeisa, Gabiley, Borama, Berbera, Sheikh, Burao, Odweine and Zaylac. The momentum towards improved human resources systems and processes is promoting sustainable administrative capacity which is a prerequisite for the development of every local community in Somaliland.
Creating Real Solutions for Communities through District Planning and Improved Basic Services
Gardo district’s economy is largely based on pastoralism and small business, similar to many districts throughout Puntland – and an estimated 80 per cent of Gardo district’s 85,000 people lives below the poverty line. In 2010, the Gardo District Council and Administration were looking for ways to boost the economy and improve the lives of their residents. With the support of the UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG), UNDP worked with the District Council and Administration to develop a District Development Framework. This District Development Framework defines investments and projects necessary to move the district towards its development vision.
As part of JPLG with UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNCDF and ILO, UNDP helps address fundamental challenges faced by local governments and builds their capacity to deliver public services effectively. By strengthening the local government to provide basic services, JPLG/UNDP supports sustainable and effective development. The key initiatives identified by the District Council and Administration included improving the local market, building new roads to boost business, and bringing safe healthcare to the area.
The District Development Framework identified that the Gardo population wanted modern and clean markets, to boost business and the local economy. Markets also stimulate social interaction and facilitate connections between people helping to create cohesion, unity and stability.
“In the past, there were many times when we had to evacuate our market due to flooding, even when there was just a small amount of rain,” said one woman with a stall in the local market. “We use to lose two thousand dollars a year in business because the market was flooded. After the rehabilitation of the market, we do our business in a convenient, clean and dry environment.”
Improved road networks and transport links encourage business growth – by increasing access for buyers as well as allowing more and better products into local markets. The Gardo road network was extremely poor and consultations with communities to produce the District Development Framework identified an urgent need to improve roads within the district.To address this issue, UNDP/JPLG supported the construction of Shimbirale concrete road and Gacan Libaax tarmac road in Gardo. Further, the Puntland Highway Authority, implemented a major upgrade and repair project on the main road linking Gardo with Bosasso. The construction and rehabilitation of this road is improving human safety and security and improving transport routes and trade.
One local shop owner, Halim Ali, saw improvements in his business. “Since the construction of the Gacan Libaax tarmac road, business in the area has improved – and transport,” he said. “Previously my little shop was small but as you see today it has grown.”
“This newly constructed road has improved the movement of people in Gardo,” said a local taxi driver. “We no longer get stuck in the mud on the Shimbirale road. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to Gardo local government and the Puntland Government.”
In 2013, JPLG provided support to the District Council and Administration on effective resource forecasting and budgeting through training on Public Expenditure Management which is designed to standardize training in the functions of (i) planning (ii) budgeting (iii) financial management (iv) implementation, and (v) monitoring and evaluation. This facilitates the District Council and Administration to draw up an annual WorkPlan and Budget and lays the groundwork for the effective implementation of projects.
This systemized planning has contributed to streamlined investment into the area, from the Puntland Government, District Government, Diaspora, NGOs, United Nations and other organizations and promotes the delivery of basic services in a transparent and accountable manner.
JPLG/UNDP has also supported the sensitization of Gardo local government officers on gender, including a participatory Integrated Community Development training. Over time, this has led to a subsequent change in attitude towards women’s participation in Gardo district affairs, with four women District Councilors’ out of twenty seven members. Within the District Administration, three women head up a Departmental Unit. There has also been a significant increase in the selection of women as Village Leaders, seven of eight of Gardo’s villages are now headed by women.
Improved planning systems and processes strengthen the local government and their ability to deliver services while simultaneously increasing the participation of community leaders, village leaders, marginal groups, business people and civil society organizations leading to increased accountability and the building of incremental trust between citizens and local government.
With the generous support of the European Commission, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and UK Aid, JPLG works closely with local counterparts in promoting improvements in the ability of local governments to provide equitable services to communities. In 2015, JPLG/UNDP continues to strengthen district capacity in support of improved public service delivery to citizens in seven districts in Puntland - Gardo, Bosaso, Eyl, Jariiban, Banderbeyla, Garowe, Galkayo. JPLG/UNDP support to the Puntland government helps them create policies, regulations, manuals and guidelines. The momentum towards improved systems and processes is encouraging the rehabilitation of vital community infrastructure, creating economic opportunity and employment for young people as skilled labourers.
Asha is a social worker at the Bahikoob in the Hargeisa Hospital.
Empowering Pastoralist Communities to Manage Climate Change
Somaliland Leaders Stand Up for Inclusive Development
Female police officers call for more involvement in the Somali Police Force
Professional Young Graduates Bring Change to the Parliament Secretariat
Somaliland’s Ministry of Justice Welcomes New Lawyer Interns
Harnessing the Power of the Sun – bringing Solar Panels to Somaliland
Like most Somali institutions, local administrations face a myriad of challenges. There is an urgent need to increase the capacity of institutions to enable them to deliver basic and necessary services to their people. As part of an innovative project through the UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG), UNDP is facilitating peer-to-peer learning exchanges between local governments in the Baidoa and Garowe districts of Somalia. These learning exchanges help administrators share knowledge and adapt solutions to improve public service, delivery, local financial management, and public participation in their communities.
Over the last few decades, insecurity in Baidoa District in south-western Somalia put extreme restrictions on local administrators working in the area. A recent wave of stability in Baidoa opened access for local authorities. This presents opportunities to establish systems for governance, rule of law, and basic services urgently needed by the local community. However, many challenges remain and Baidoa’s authorities largely lack the technical skills and experience needed to set up public services. To help them gain the experience they need, the mayor of Garowe (the administrative capital of Somalia’s Puntland region) invited representatives from Baidoa on a peer-to-peer learning exchange to take part in the 2015 district planning workshop.
“The peer-to-peer workshop between local governments is a big opportunity,” said Hasan Moalin Ali, Baidoa’s Deputy Secretary to the Mayor. “The knowledge and sharing information help us benefit from Garowe’s local government, because Baidoa doesn’t have much experience on the public expenditure management system.”
Since 2009, JPLG has been working with the local administration and district councils in Garowe to strengthen their capacity. Local councils from across the district now come together for annual work planning to decide on priorities for investments, and to discuss achievements and challenges. Garowe administrators are now experience in planning and budgeting, and they use the annual meeting to review their achievements against the District Development Framework (their 5-year development plan).
The delegation from Baidoa included Abdulkadir Sh. Ali Baraka (Deputy Mayor of Baidoa), Hassan Moalin Ali, (Deputy Secretary to Mayor), Muhidin Mohamed Muse, (Secretary of Social Affairs), Lul Mohamed Abdinur, (District Council Member and Head of Gender Affairs). “With what we have learnt we want to be the leaders of good local governance for other districts,” said Lul Mohamed.
By participating in Garowe’s planning process, Baidoa administrators learned from experiences on service delivery and improved core functions of local governance. They were also trained on public expenditure management (conducted by their Garowe counterparts), visited government departments and JPLG project sites, observed the annual work planning process and took part in district validation meetings. The public expenditure management training helped delegates learn the critical process of allocating and managing public resources. Baidoa and Garowe’s taxation procedures were compared, and Baidoa’s representatives set plans for tax regulation laws.
“We shall call the mayors and the councils and brief them on what we have seen here,” said Muhidin Mohamed Muse, Secretary of Social Affairs in Baidoa. “We will tell them how we shall improve the community through taxation and planning.”
With UNDP’s strategic and technical support, fundamental shifts in the way that governments work will encourage growth and stability in Somali institutions to deliver better security, services and opportunities for all. The JPLG Programme (UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNCDF, ILO, and UNDP) helps address the fundamental challenges administrations face by enhancing the capacity of local governments in Somaliland and Puntland, particularly to deliver decentralized public services effectively. This is largely funded through Sweden, European Commission, DFID, Norway and Denmark.
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Starting a business with limited resources in the Somali coastal district of Eyl is difficult – especially for a woman
Despite the challenges, Bisharo’s small café in Eyl is thriving. A UNDP micro-grant and small business training helped her set up the cafe, and Bisharo is now supporting her four children on the money she earns. “I am able to send all of my children to school,” she says proudly.
When UNDP’s Alternative Livelihoods to Piracy project set up its small business initiatives in Eyl, Bisharo’s town was a dangerous place. Insecurity was high and piracy was on the rise. Although she was not directly involved in piracy, Bisharo’s life and business were dependent on piracy-based incomes. Bisharo owned a tea shop on the main town square, and her Bisharo’s client base was largely young pirates.
When the pirates would leave town they would run out on their bills, leaving Bisharo desperate. “Piracy related crime kept many potential customers from my shop. But, when the pirates left, I was without money.”
With local authorities, UNDP worked with Bisharo’s local women’s center. Through consultations with the women, UNDP helped identify specific needs and challenges, in order to create targeted solutions to help. Based on their recommendations, UNDP began a small business initiative with the local women’s group. Providing small grants of $250 and small business training, UNDP is now helping the women build solutions to buffer the effects of piracy.
In Eyl, 150 women like Bisharo have received this small business package and are using their new skills to bolster local economies and provide for their families. Bisharo used the funds to expand her café into a restaurant. In addition to the small grants, the women are taught about the basics of owning a small business – including bookkeeping and marketing. Bisharo can now keep track of her savings and spending, and she is no longer reliant on a piracy-based income.
Today, Bisharo’s restaurant is popular, and she has invested her UNDP grant in a new television to cater to her growing customer base. “My restaurant is doing well. Pasta is my specialty, and my clients come from all over the region,” she says with a smile. Her business is growing, and so is her confidence. “The town is growing, and I am really looking forward to raising my children in a peaceful Eyl”.
Today, the town center is buzzing with new business and trade is opening up. Dropping crime rates and increasing security means that people are no longer afraid to come to Eyl. Traders, nomads, and livestock herders are arriving in town and bringing new business opportunities with them. It is this kind of fundamental shift in local economic growth that will help stabilize the area and reduce the impact of piracy on communities.
Safety and security are the key foundations for building lasting peace and prosperity for all Somalis. UNDP is helping the Somali people to tackle insecurity and conflict by strengthening responsible policing that considers the needs of the communities.
UNDP’s Civilian Policing Project supports training and appointment of police officers, promoting human rights training and gender equality in all three Somali police forces and helps foster public trust and confidence in them. In addition, new police uniforms were issued in Mogadishu and Somaliland to help better identify police officers and distinguish them from the military. This will eventually build trust and confidence and tangibly improve the official conduct of the police.
Women in Somalia are particularly vulnerable and underrepresented in government institutions. Their voices need to be heard when designing responses to insecurity. This requires ensuring sufficient numbers of women in the police and also career support for female police officers, enabling them to perform professional police duties at all levels. Targeted recruitment and training of female police officers has resulted in an increase of female police officers. So far, 850 women have been recruited and trained.
A special focus has been given to respond to and investigate gender-based violence cases as well as provide specialist facilities such as ‘women and children desks’ to assist survivors. In addition to the women and children desks, improvements are ongoing to mainstream gender issues in the justice sector in Somaliland. Political commitment as well as commitment by UNDP and the international community to support long-term interventions raised awareness on issues of gender-based violence in Somaliland. There are a significantly higher number of cases now going to court as well as survivors coming forward for treatment and support at the Hargeisa Group Hospital. This is largely due to efforts by UNDP and the hospital to raise awareness on sexual and gender-based violence the services available, and increased capacity building of the staff working at the centre.
In addition to the police training, UNDP has worked towards standardizing the human rights curriculum for law studies in the universities in all three regions of Somalia and has trained 100 criminal investigators in Puntland. This training will increase the capability of the police to investigate crimes including violence against women. This support is urgently needed at a time where cases of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of women and girls constitute an enormous problem in Somalia.
