Program Details: 
After Years of Conflict, Working for Peace and Economic Recovery

Since the collapse of President Siad Barre's government in 1991, Somalia has been characterized by violence and a systematic breakdown of political and social institutions.

Continued factional fighting and the lack of a coherent peace agreement have led to increased instability in some regions. Alliances between factions and the transitional federal government have been made — and broken. Regions and districts throughout south central Somalia remain under the control of various factions, resulting in mini-administrations that lack the resources, services and infrastructure that can arise when economic and political stability prevails. The country's continued instability has at times reduced access for humanitarian activities and increased the vulnerability of affected populations.

The January 2009 election of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the new president of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), seemed to herald a new era in which peace and a central government could be possible. However, his nomination was not well received by all factions, and sporadic battles continue. As the new TFG struggles to establish control, civilians continue to be subjected to violence, chronic food shortages and displacement, and they lack essential services.

Of the country's three regions, south/central Somalia has been categorized by the UN as a complex emergency crisis zone. Elsewhere, the environment consists of varying political situations, security conditions and humanitarian needs. One region differs dramatically: the self- declared autonomous states of Somaliland and Puntland, where relative peace, security and state function have been restored. And even within south/central Somalia, a few areas remain fairly secure amid the chaos.

Peaceful Change and Economic Development
Mercy Corps is working with communities in all three regions of Somalia to achieve peaceful change. Our commitment to peace-building and economic development, coupled with our community-based approach, will help Somalia see a brighter future.

Providing Emergency Support
In 2008, Mercy Corps provided short-term emergency support to 20,000 displaced people in five camps in Bossaso, Puntland.

Mercy Corps provided safe drinking water to about 18,000 people and constructed latrines for use by about 1,000 people. We taught safe hygiene practices to 20,000 people. We also established five child-friendly centers to provide a safe environment where children under age seven can play and learn. Each center accommodates 40 children. In addition, we delivered psychosocial services to help trauma victims recover.

We continue to work with thousands of Somali people who have been displaced by conflict, as well as thousands more in the host communities offering them refuge. As part of this effort, we are increasing our protection activities to help respond to — and prevent — sexual and gender-based violence.

Mitigating Conflict in Northern Somalia
In 2006 and 2007, USAID-funded Mercy Corps programs promoted reconciliation and responsive dialogue in Northern Somalia. We worked with four local women's associations, providing the tools to help participants address the root causes of resource-based conflicts. These efforts brought about a number of successful conflict resolutions.

Two Mercy Corps peace committees are helping communities resolve clan disputes and providing mediation services in the region, reducing the incidence of violent conflict. Environmental initiatives such as rehabilitating garbage pits, planting tree nurseries and launching a “reduce, reuse and recycle” campaign are promoting climate-friendly economic development.

Today we're expanding our peace committees to include three women's groups and three youth groups. We also will be working to address cross-border natural resource disputes.

Improving Livelihoods
Somalia offers few formal employment opportunities. Lacking jobs, people become more dependent — and more migratory, as they move in search of food and work. Communities that rely on agriculture and livestock have been adversely affected by ongoing drought and political insecurity that have led to chronic food shortages and a lack of essential services.

Mercy Corps is addressing these challenges through our cash-for-work programs, in which we employ local people to build needed infrastructure. In 2008, we hired 15,660 people in southern Somalia, infusing desperately needed income into local communities. The Somali workers constructed 34 wells, 1,650 family latrines and 300 communal latrines. They cleared 190 kilometers of access roads and constructed 37 river embankments, which greatly improved food production by reducing the harmful effect of flooding on area farms.

The Seeds of A Better Education
The School Environment and Education Development for Somalia (SEEDS) Program is a new, three-year $12 million grant funded by USAID. SEEDS is designed to better the educational environment in at least 250 communities by improving instructional quality, school management and infrastructure, including water and hygiene. It also provides technical assistance to help government education officials promote community-led initiatives to improve education, water and sanitation while honing their management skills.