Somalia Republic is under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Japan in Kenya
Country Assistance Policy for the Federal Republic of Somalia
April 2014
1. Significance of Assistance
For over 20 years, the Federal Republic of Somalia was in a state of conflict and anarchy. The country experienced a series of natural disasters (such as drought), as well as the collapse of internal economic and social infrastructure, placing the entire nation in an extremely vulnerable state. Following the end of the transition period in August 2012, a new federal government was established, and Somalia is currently going about reconstruction. The reconstruction of a peaceful and stable Somalia, while at the same time maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity, is absolutely critical from the perspective of preserving the peace and stability of Eastern Africa, as well as conducting anti-piracy operations in the area off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.
Moreover, making contributions to building peace in the fragile state is the most important task recognized by our nation’s ODA Charter. In addition, from the perspective of security, it is of great importance to highlight the dividends of peace to those socially vulnerable people who cannot enjoy the full protection of the country due to prolonged conflict and anarchy. In particular, it is said that 70% of the Somali population is young adults under the age of 30 years old, and that many of them seek a way to make a living by joining pirate and anti-government militant groups. There is an urgent need to create employment opportunities for those young people and to assist in the healthy development of the country.
Japan has actively participated in humanitarian aid projects and engaged in anti-piracy operations in Somalia. Given the new development there, Japan has decided to resume bilateral assistance to the country in February 2013. It is imperative to continue to make effective contributions to reconstructing Somalia as a member of international society.
2. The Main Principles of Assistance (grand target): Assistance to consolidate Peace and to Stabilize the Social and Economic Systems for National Reconstruction
Japan supports the realization of the six elements which the new government has set priorities: 1) stabilization of the country, 2) economic reconstruction, 3) national reconciliation, 4) provision of public services, 5) cooperative international relations, and 6) unification of territory. Japan will primarily help the Somali government recover basic social services, improve its police capability, and revitalize domestic industries.
3. Priority Areas (Mid-term Targets)
(1) Recovery of Basic Social Services
To recover such basic social services as health, education, and water supplies, which have been damaged after years of prolonged conflict, Japan will support the capacity building of the central and local governments (including Puntland and Somaliland), and will also assist facility improvement while placing particular emphasis on reforming social and economic conditions for the most vulnerable groups, such as women and internally displaced people.
(2) Improvement of the Capability of Security Institutions
For the peace and stabilization of Somalia, securing the order in the region, including countermeasures against pirates, is the basis of all activities. With the aim of allowing the new government to assume responsible roles in maintaining security, Japan will help the capacity building of police and maritime security organizations in South-Central Somalia in particular.
(3) Revitalization of Domestic Industries
Japan will encourage the spirit of self-help, and support revitalizing domestic industries in such areas as services and fisheries by ensuring the participation of the young who comprise of most of population. In so doing, Japan takes into account the importance of the reclamation and social reintegration of the young, who deviated from social order amidst prolonged conflict and anarchy.
4. Points to Consider
(1) The security situation in Somalia has been improving, and areas which the new government has regained control from militant groups are expanding. There is still an element of unpredictability, however, particularly in the South-Central area. As long as the current security situation continues, it is necessary to rely primarily on the provision of assistance though the UN and international organization, and to conduct bilateral assistance in the form of the provision of training either in Japan or in a third country, which allows Japanese aid workers not to enter Somalia. Furthermore, we will consider cooperation with other donors who have advantages in field activities and skilled diasporas with overseas experience, who can easily fit into the local community.
(2) Bearing in mind that Somalia has a wide variety of groups as well as various clans, the balance of power among areas and clans when supporting the country must be taken into consideration.
(3) Regarding the implementation of the new deal1 for vulnerable countries, the movement to coordinate assistance policies among different donors and aid agencies has been gaining momentum under the initiative of the Somalian federal government. It is of great importance for Japan to actively assert its assistance policy during the course of discussions.
Annex: Rolling Plan for the Federal Republic of Somalia
- Approved in the “4th High-level Forum on Aid Effectiveness” in November 2012 as a framework for international communication for peace-building and country establishment.