Somalia is the leader of its own development

In Somalia the violence that has lasted for more than twenty years is showing signs of subsiding. The country has now drawn up a development plan for itself; a plan that supports the transition from conflict towards a sustainable peace.
 
Finland’s development cooperation in Somalia ended in 1991, when the country plunged into crisis. Although security and the political situation have improved markedly, the country remains fragile and fighting continues in parts of Southern and Central Somalia. 
 
The British Embassy to Finland and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland organized a seminar on 7 November which focused on how the international community can best support the reconstruction of Somalia.
“Our advice is to involve every Somali in building peace,” Minister for International Development Pekka Haavisto said in his address.
 

Women to the focal point of development

 
“The rights of women in particular should be strengthened,” Lynne Featherstone, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development of the UK said. “It is extremely important to get them involved in reconstruction.”
This was confirmed by Minister Elisabeth Rehn, who was also at the seminar.
“Studies show that peace does not last if women are excluded completely from the negotiations,” Rehn stated.
 
It is equally important to make use of the diaspora, meaning the Somali community living outside Somalia. According to Pekka Haavisto, many well-educated Somalis have already returned to Somalia.
“Cooperation with the diaspora in rebuilding the country is essential.”
Finland’s Somali community of about 15,000 people has strongly supported Somalia through various NGOs.
 

State-building must start from scratch 

 
The civil war that continued for more than twenty years has left behind a disorganized political situation. Reconstruction of Somalia starts from nil. At the seminar it was agreed that the international community cannot build Somalia on the country’s behalf.
Instead, the country can best be helped by investing in improving its administration.
At the same time as a well-functioning administration and institutions are built for the country, the region must be stabilized.
“Security must be improved,” said Tanja Rasmusson, State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden. "Without it, there can be no progress."
 
The paralyzed administration constitutes a major challenge to the education, health and basic livelihood of the population. 
“There would be much work, for example on construction sites, to offer young people,” Haavisto said. “In practice, however, Turks for instance are working on construction sites because the local population lacks the necessary skills.”
The employment of young people is important for Somalia’s development. According to Haavisto, both basic and vocational education should be supported.
“The boys I met in Somalia said they would grow up to be pirates. We must be able to offer them other options.”
 

New Deal sets common goals for development

 
In accordance with the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States approved in Busan, South Korea in 2011, Somalia has devised a plan for developing state structures and stabilizing conditions. 
On this basis of this plan, in September 2013 Somalia and international donors supporting the country entered into a joint agreement that sets out the main principles for supporting Somalia’s development in the years 2014–2016.
The aims are clear. Political and social processes must pay more attention to all groups of people, the status of women and children must be improved, the federal system must be developed and parliamentary elections must be held no later than 2016.
Finland will double its support to Somalia starting in 2014. In the years 2013–2016 Finland’s support to Somalia will be approximately EUR 35 million. In all, international donors have pledged 1.8 billion euros in support for Somalia.
 
Hanna Öunap