Somalia

Policy Framework and Objectives

The strategy is based on the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, the European Consensus on Development, the EU Strategy for Africa, the OECD/DAC Guidelines for International Engagement in Fragile States and the Somalia Reconstruction and Development Programme. The overall objective is to help establish a peaceful and secure environment in Somalia, and to reduce poverty by providing basic social services and increasing economic activity. In this framework, the critical intermediary political goal is to support the delivery of the two main outcomes of the transitional period (2005-2009): a new constitution adopted by referendum, and democratically elected institutions.

Analysis and challenges facing Somalia

After sixteen years of civil war, Somalia faces the key challenges of building peace and security, establishing democratic processes and institutions and strengthening human rights. Poverty remains acute and support for the development of livelihoods is a priority. Social services are rudimentary; particularly in South Central Somalia, service provision is fragmented and ad hoc due to lack of security and institutional structures. Basic infrastructure has deteriorated markedly since the collapse of the last national government in 1991. Inequality remains a concern; women and girls continue to be socially excluded. The private sector has survived and to some extent flourished in the near anarchic environment of the past decade and a half; however, for further growth and inward investment, legal and regulatory frameworks have to be developed.

In the autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland some progress has been made in establishing a peaceful and secure environment, developing a democratic process, building institutions and beginning to address the basic needs of citizens. However, these gains are as yet fragile, and have thus far not been replicated in South Central Somalia. The relationship of a future – possibly federal – state with the autonomous regions has also yet to be clarified.

Overview of past and present cooperation

Building on the work of the Somalia Aid Coordination Body established in 1996, reviews of external support to Somalia over the past decade have progressively led to a more focused and coordinated donor approach, culminating in the UN/World Bank-led Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) conducted in 2006. The donors participating in this JSP acknowledge the importance of coordinated and coherent programming based on the JNA process, while recognising the continuing need for rapid and flexible responses in a constantly evolving environment.

Response strategy

Without peace and security it is not possible to engage effectively in longer-term development. Priority will therefore be given to promoting a peaceful and secure environment in which human rights are respected and democratic processes and institutions can develop, to providing basic social services and to developing an enabling environment for sustainable and equitable economic growth. With the overall aim of improving the lives of the poorest and the most vulnerable groups, gender, environment, HIV/AIDS and conflict prevention will be mainstreamed in all areas of activity. Capacity-building and LRRD will likewise be considered strategic approaches to be integrated into all sector programmes.