Equal Access International in collaboration with Jubaland government officials recently agreed to launch the Area Based Problems project in Kismayo, Somalia. This significant event was a culmination of a remarkable, years-long journey between EAI, government officials from various ministries and stakeholders to bring about the realization of an active, community-based response to issues around justice and security that are prevalent in Jubaland.

Nabadaynta Soomaliya seeks to improve how Somalis view and access services by identifying security and justice priorities through the Area Based Problem identification process. Through broad-based government and community coalescing and negotiation, the process led to the identification of top priorities by Somalis in violence-prone areas, where people are compelled to work together toward lasting solutions for the pertinent predicaments facing the populace.

In light of this, EAI had discussions with the ministries of Justice and Security that were highly productive and helped reinforce the Government’s commitment and dedication to ensuring the success of the Nabadaynta program in Jubaland and South West States. These commitments and collaborations are truly encouraging and inspiring. The EAI team is equally committed to strengthening the partnership to achieve the program objectives and is excited to build on the project’s strong foundation.

During the program launch in Jubaland, EAI and government collaboration was beautifully summed up by Programme Director Chris Wakube. “We are excited that, with the government’s insights, feedback and encouragement, we will certainly make great strides and tangible progress in achieving our collective shared goals,” he said. “We are equally honored to receive your trust and confidence in our work, and we are deeply committed  to strengthening our close collaboration in the NS program.”

Upon deliberations and discussions with the government, Dollow district was selected as the next frontier for the Nabadaynta program in Jubaland. The District is part of the Gedo region and is nestled within the famous Mandera triangle, the tri-border where Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia meet, the melting pot of cultures and where the seasonal Dawa river merges with the Jubba river. The selection was informed by the uniqueness of the district owing to the security complexities in the borders, coupled with the presence of huge numbers of IDPs and the hitherto nascent security and justice frameworks.  Dollow enjoyed relative peace in comparison to other areas in the Gedo region thanks to community-driven efforts and initiatives to take ownership of their security and justice-related issues. It serves  a textbook example of what EAI and the NS program seek to build on, which is the hallmark of the program – Somal- led and owned solutions to Somali problems.

In the South West States, EAI, the wider Nabadaynta Somaalia program and the government selected Hudur district in Bakool region as its next operation area. There they envision a future where resilience thrives not just within Hudur but ripples across the broader in Somalia.

In a strategic move and in line with EAI policies in enhancing the program’s efficacy, the EAI team diligently conducted security and risk assessments in Dolow and Hudur districts. This meticulous evaluation process provided contextual information, and initial coordination with the district officials helped pave the way for the official launch of the program in  the two new locations. In consultation with NS and the government, the program launch date will be agreed upon in the coming months.  

EAI will be implementing the expansion in Dolow in partnership with local partner Active in Development Aid (ADA), which was inducted into the project, along with Wajir South Development Association (WASDA), which will be the local partner in Kismayo district. EAI will also expand the scope of Gargaar Relief and Development Organization (GREDO) to lead the implementation of Hudur district. The three organizations bring aboard rich, wealthy expertise and knowledge with a combined four decades of experience working in Somalia, particularly in Jubaland and South West States. The program seeks to tap and build on this potential while additionally building its many capacities.

The NS program is transforming the way Somalis view, seek and access security and justice services by utilizing the Area Based Problem Identification.