EU-Somalia Partnership

European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud at the High-Level Partnership Forum on Somalia held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by: European Commission Three years ago, Somalia made history when it conducted its “first and free elections” in four decades — hailed as a great step toward democracy and a renewed political process. A federal parliament was successfully established to replace eight years of transitional governance, and a provisional constitution was adopted, paving the way for the establishment of functioning state institutions. Reconstruction and rebuilding efforts were jumpstarted as well. These gains are fragile and reversible, however, as there is still a lot that needs to be done to stabilize the country’s political and security situation. Over the past year alone, the militant group al-Shabab has launched various attacks to undermine the government in Mogadishu, including an assault on the presidential palace. Decades of conflict had undermined basic service delivery severely affected human development outcomes in the sub-Saharan African country; according to the 2012 U.N. Development Report, development and humanitarian indicators in Somalia are among the lowest in the world. Development is further hampered by societal fragmentation and insecurity that still persist in some parts of the country, and by natural calamities such as droughts and floods. Just recently, on Jan. 29, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Somalia forecast a “worrisome” outlook for the country for 2015. A recent U.N. assessment has found that more than 700,000 Somalis are facing acute food insecurity, including nearly 203,000 acutely malnourished children. An additional 2.3 million people are at risk of falling into hunger. In 2013, Somalia endorsed a “Somali Compact,” which provides a strategic framework for coordinating political, security and development efforts for peace for 2014-2016. It outlines the country’s five peace and state-building goals, focusing on inclusive politics, security, justice, economic foundations, and revenue and services. The compact also introduced a new aid architecture for development partners, detailing how funding instruments will be used and what mechanisms will ensure coordination between these instruments. The European Union’s engagement in Somalia involves a comprehensive approach, covering development programs, active diplomacy, staffed missions and operations in support of law and security, and humanitarian assistance. The 28-member bloc tailored its 2014-2020 national indicative program for the sub-Saharan African country alongside the compact’s goals. For the next seven years, it will focus on three sectors: state and peace building, food security and resilience building, and education. Funding levels and priorities Under the 2014-2020 NIP, the EU has allocated 286 million euros ($323.1 million) in indicative funding through the 11th European Development Fund. Below is an indicative timetable for disbursements. The total allocation is intended to cover the entire 2014-2020 program period, although it is based only on the 2014-2016 compact. An ad hoc review will be conducted in 2015-16 to assess, based on the Somali Compact reviews, if the EDF allocation and programming for Somalia need to be changed for the rest of the NIP period. Apart from EDF support, the country may also receive financing from the European Investment Bank through the Cotonou Investment Facility or its own resources. The 11th EDF allocation will be channeled to three focal sectors and crosscutting support measures. Below is a breakdown of indicative sectoral and overarching support allocations for 2014-2020. State and peace building – Governance structures in Somalia need to be further strengthened to sustain their stability, and to be able to address coastal and maritime concerns. Under this sector, the main actions proposed are: increased focus on greater access to justice through reinforcing the capacity, integrity and geographical presence of institutions across the justice chain; strengthening of local, regional and national government institutions with focus on planning and administrative functions; and strengthening democratic legitimacy of formal institutions and traditional accountability structures of civil society. Food security and building resilience – Due to conflict and droughts, Somalia is one of the most food-insecure countries in the world. Under this sector, the EU aims to support efforts to enhance Somali resilience against predictable shocks by preparing and implementing national resilience and natural resources management; supporting the sustainable development of main productive sectors of agriculture and livestock though technical services, research, marketing and technical education; and supporting livelihood recovery and food security through consolidated mechanisms of social transfers. Education – The enrollment rate in the sub-Saharan country is one of the lowest in the world. Girls, internally displaced persons and other disadvantaged children represent a very small segment of the entire student population. Education is seen as a long-term investment to prevent conflict by including marginalized groups and fostering intercommunal relationships, and shared values and identity. The EU is Somalia’s largest donor in the education sector, and under this partnership period, the 28-member bloc aims to further strengthen and expand access to good quality education for all children, youth and adults, including nomadic groups, people with special needs, IDPs, refugees and returnees, with equal access for girls and women. It also aims to expand the participation of youth and vulnerable groups in technical and vocational education and training, and to develop the capacity of educational institutions, administrations and systems. Measures in favor of civil society – Recognizing the important role of civil society organizations in Somalia’s development, the EU will provide 14 million euros in indicative funding to CSOs working across the 28-member bloc’s focal sectors. A road map to guide EU engagement with civil society groups in Somalia, which sets guidelines to mainstream these CSOs in the implementation of the NIP, is in the process of being adopted. Support measures — Funding for this component is meant to support programming, preparation and implementation of the NIP; and the National Authorizing Officer. Devex analysis The EU is one of Somalia’s main development partners and largest donors. Over the years, it has provided political, financial and technical assistance. The 28-member bloc has currently taken the lead role in coordinating the country’s development partners to find a way to give Somalis greater ownership of the development process. Development partners recognize the challenges in engaging with Somalia, which has been identified as one of the most dangerous places to deliver aid. There are operational risks to development partners due to the intermittent clashes between the government and al-Shabab, particularly in the south-central areas. To mitigate the risks, the majority of EU activities will be done in areas of relative peace and stability, while expert individuals will be tasked to access the more difficult areas of Somalia. The EU is also strengthening its security measures by increasing its investment in information management of security incidents. Further, the EU plans to analyze the dynamics behind interclan competition and conflict, especially in its areas of intervention, and promote conflict sensitivity in all its programs. Fiduciary risks brought about by weak governance and corruption will be addressed by limiting direct assistance to the government and channeling more funds to U.N. or World Bank programs with established monitoring arrangements. In addition, the EU will support capacity development for public financial management, conduct risk assessments, and commission independent reviews, evaluations and audits. A general election is scheduled in 2016, and many are apprehensive about whether a fair election can successfully take place in Somalia. The EU, on its end, will support all efforts toward a peaceful and transparent election. Even with the change of leadership, the 28-member bloc will remain committed in supporting the development of a stable, accountable and prosperous Somalia over the long term. Contact EU Delegation to Somalia Tel: (254-20) 271-2830 / 271-3250 / 271-3251 / 280-2000 Fax: (254-20) 271-0997 Email: