How the neglect of public goods in Buulaburte epitomizes Somalia’s state of governance
In this commentary, I contend that Somalia’s public sector continues to be crippled by a lack of creative ideas and initiatives that are needed to undertake much-needed reforms and address the country’s many policy challenges.
Analysis of the University ‘Foundation Year’ Directive: Substance, Concerns, Consequences, and Policy Considerations
Considering the persistent challenges underlying the quality of higher education in Somalia, the FGS Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education proclaimed, on 16 August 2023, a directive authorizing the introduction of a ‘foundation year’ that would precede the university undergraduate first year and will take effect in this academic year 2023/2024.
Marginalization and Social Cohesion among Minoritized Clan Groups and Dominant Groups, Aid Actors, and Local Authorities in Mogadishu
This commentary examines the issue of clan-based marginalization experienced among internally displaced people (IDPs) from minority and marginalized groups in Mogadishu. These clan groups mainly hail from the Bay, Middle, and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia and settle on territory dominated by a different clan that most of the time perceives them as outsiders and not residents with rights. Stronger inter-clan group relations need to be forged to support sustainable integration of these minority and marginalized clan groups – especially those that choose to call Mogadishu home.
Expanding public participation in political processes in Somalia
This study explores the prospects and challenges for public participation in politics in Somalia. It aims to identify how Somali authorities, civil society, international actors and other stakeholders can contribute to increasing the participation of ordinary Somalis in the political processes in their country. To that end, politicians, a range of non-governmental actors and the wider citizenry were interviewed for this report.
Examining the durable solutions capacities in Kismayo and Afgoye
This report considers the priorities and experiences of displacement-affected communities. It further discusses the durable solutions administrative structures, policies and implementation in two federal member states, namely Jubaland and South West, particularly in Kismayo and Afgoye.
Review and Analysis of the Controversial National Consultative Council (NCC) Agreement on Elections
This policy paper analyses the key components of the controversial NCC election agreement, highlighting the prospects and challenges for its implementation.
The role of 4.5 in democratization and governance in Somalia
This brief aims to promote and inform such discussions on 4.5, as well as clan-based power-sharing arrangements more generally.
Decentralizing taxation and public services to local governments in Somalia: Findings from Puntland, Galmudug, and Benadir
This study takes stock of fiscal and service delivery decentralization in Puntland, Galmudug, and the Benadir Regional Administration. The study was undertaken in nine districts (three in each) of the three case study contexts to stimulate and inform serious discussions around the paramount importance of devolving fiscal and service delivery to local government in pursuit of Somalia’s federalized state-building efforts.
Review of the Federal Government of Somalia’s Near Billion-dollar Budget for 2023
This brief analyzes the 2023 federal budget and its main allocations for the administration, security, social services, and economic development sectors. Finally, the brief outlines key recommendations including increasing accountability, building public trust, improving social services, encouraging domestic production and international trade, and expediting the debt relief process.
Safety and Security in Mogadishu
This safety and security study on Mogadishu examines the everyday issues of insecurity that different residents experience and react to in two districts of Mogadishu – Hodan and Kahda.
