Somaliland’s President Calls for better Cooperation between Ministries and NGOs

Hargeisa (SDN)-Somaliland’s President Mr. Ahmed Mahamed Mahamud (Siilaanyo) recently called on international organizations working in Somaliland to support the work of the Ministry of Rural Development.

President Siilaanyo highlighted the importance of the Ministry of Rural Development in his correspondence with international NGOs. He also stated that in order for the Ministry to carry out its public mandate the INGOs must work directly with the Ministry in implementing its development programs in the country.

Reasons behind the President’s unprecedented move of ordering the INGOs to work with the Ministry remain unclear. Reports from the Ministry point to dissatisfaction with the currently working relationship with INGOs. International NGOs have not addressed issues that the Ministry is keen to work on and there is limited cooperation between the two groups.

There have also been reports that in the past groups such as the WFP launched projects to dig wells and boreholes as well as other agricultural initiatives without consulting the Ministry of Rural Development which ultimately holds the responsibility of managing agricultural, livestock and environmental projects in the rural parts of the country.

Although the President’s actions are commendable it contradicts the chain of command established by his office which created a governmental department to act as a liaison with International NGOS and oversee their work. The department is under the purview of the Vice President.

SDN Hargeisa

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