STRONG project launched in Somalia to strengthen local governance and empower communities

A man speaks into a microphone at a table, while others sitting around listen. A video camera is set up on a tripod recording the speaking man. Behind him there is a banner reading "Launching Event. Strengthening Democratic and INclusive Local Governance in Somalia - STRONG Project"
Director General of The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Mr. Aidarus Moalim Hassan Abdullah delivers remarks at the launch event of the STRONG project in Mogadishu

FCA Somalia’s Strengthening Inclusive and Democratic Local Governments (STRONG) project was officially launched on September 1st 2024 at the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu. The event attracted various government officials, NGO representatives, development partners, and members of the public.

THE STRONG PROJECT, funded by the Swedish government through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aims to support the formation of district councils in several districts across Galmudug and Jubaland States, as well as the Banadir Regional Administration. The initiative will be coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

A man speaks into a microphone while seated at a table
H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

At the ceremony, H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, emphasised the crucial role of peaceful coexistence and collective effort in delivering services to communities at the district level. The Minister also highlighted recent legislative proposals submitted to the House of the People, which are aimed at strengthening local governance structures and facilitating direct elections. According to the minister, these proposals are designed to give the public the opportunity to elect their representatives and hold them accountable.

“The Ministry of Interior is committed to decentralising government services to ensure that the people of Somalia receive the services they are entitled to,” stated Minister Hosh. “This project represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and promote reconciliation. We are grateful for SIDA’s support and our long-standing partnership with FCA. We are committed to working together to ensure the success of this initiative.”

The STRONG project places a strong emphasis on civic education, aiming to raise awareness to foster inclusivity and accountability among the population in the target districts. This approach is especially important for Jubaland and Galmudug States, which were established in 2013 and 2014, respectively, as they work towards stabilising their local governance structures.

A woman in a hijab sits at a table and speaks into a microphone
Miski Yussuf Ali, Director General of Jubaland’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs speaks at the launch of the STRONG project.

The Director Generals from the Ministries of Interior and Women’s Affairs of Jubaland and Galmudug States expressed their full support for the project. They underscored the importance of including women, marginalised groups, and all community segments in the governance process.

A woman in a hijab speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk. A man sits next to her.
Piya Itkonen, the Interim Country Director for FCA Somalia spoke about the organisation’s commitment to the STRONG project.

Mr. Sydur Molla, the Project Manager of STRONG, provided a detailed presentation about the project’s objectives and implementation strategy. Piya Itkonen, the Interim Country Director for FCA also spoke about the organisation’s commitment to the project. Ms. Itkonen highlighted that FCA’s Right to Peace is dedicated to providing technical support and working closely with government entities to enhance capacities and improve local governance.

“At FCA, we are dedicated to fostering inclusive governance that empowers women, marginalised communities, and all Somalis. Through the STRONG project, in collaboration with MOIFAR and SIDA, we aim to build resilient societies where everyone’s voice is heard, and effective services reach all segments of the community. Our commitment is to create governance systems that truly reflect the diversity and needs of Somalia,” she said.

As Somalia continues its journey toward strengthening its federal structure, the STRONG project represents a significant milestone in efforts to establish inclusive, accountable, and effective local governance across the nation, with a particular focus on Galmudug and Jubaland States and the Banadir Regional Administration.

Text: Mohamed Bile
Read more about FCA’s work in Somalia.