Working on the “Increased opportunities for Somali Citizens’ Scrutiny of Fiscal and Financial Governance” project in Adado has been an enriching and transformative experience for me. Over the past eight months, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of empowering communities and local governments to work together toward greater transparency and accountability.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was engaging with the community and the local council members. The insights gained from the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perception (KAP) surveys highlighted the community’s genuine desire for improved governance and active participation in local government processes. Co-facilitating workshops where council members and civil society representatives had separate sessions to discuss these findings was a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing shared governance challenges.

The reflections shared by the local council members were particularly inspiring. Hearing them acknowledge the importance of good governance, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement reaffirmed the relevance and necessity of this project. It was gratifying to see how the workshops not only increased their understanding of governance principles but also motivated them to incorporate these learnings into their day-to-day operations. For example, one council member highlighted how the workshop gave them a better grasp of the need for a well-planned budget and the importance of revenue generation. Another council member emphasized how the project created a valuable space for the community to scrutinize the district administration, improving accountability in local governance. Another council member stated that this project helped council members to fully understand their responsibilities and mandates.

Similarly, representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) reacted positively to the project, appreciating the opportunity to contribute to the validation and refinement of KAP survey findings. CSO representatives expressed to me how the project enabled them to amplify community voices and promote more inclusive governance practices in Adado. It has encouraged council members to embrace transparency and accountability, strengthen their leadership skills and foster a culture of participatory governance. For CSOs, the project has enhanced their advocacy capacity, networking, and their role as governance watchdogs. These subtle shifts will likely contribute to long-term improvements in governance dynamics in Adado.

At the same time, the challenges we faced underscored the complexity of working in a dynamic environment like Adado. Issues such as internal political conflicts, logistical constraints, and delays in data collection required adaptability, patience, and creative problem-solving. These experiences deepened my understanding of project management in contexts where resources and capacities are limited but the potential for positive change is immense.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Somali Public Agenda for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of this impactful project. Working with such dedicated and professional team has been a privilege, and I deeply appreciate the trust and support extended to me throughout this journey.

Overall, this project has already strengthened my belief in the importance of inclusive governance and the role of community participation in driving sustainable development. It has been a privilege to contribute to an initiative that not only empowers individuals but also fosters a culture of accountability and trust between citizens and their government. This journey has already left me with a profound appreciation for the resilience and dedication of the people of Adado, and I look forward to continue creating platforms for accountability in the next years and seeing how these efforts continue to shape a brighter future for the community.

Ahmed Abdi Qeyd is Somali Public Agenda focal point in Galmudug state for the EU-funded project ‘Increased opportunities for Somali Citizens’ Scrutiny of Fiscal and Financial Governance