Weak federal/ state institutions: Across Somalia, federal and state institutions are still either weak

or non-existent. As such, the JPLG programme is forced to first work at the Federal or State levels to
create the right systems, structures and conditions to support decentralization thereby limiting
resources to local governments, which are the main area of support by the programme. This
process takes a lot of time and energy away from the core deliverables of the programme. It is
particularly made difficult by weak federal institutions and desire for control by leaders at the
federal/state levels who feel threatened by perceived loss of control or do not yet see the
importance of decentralization. The frequent political contestation between the different arms of
government creates inertia leading to delays in instituting political/legal/administrative reforms
necessary for effective decentralization. Even where Local Government Laws and Decentralization
Policies are fully in place such as in Somaliland and Puntland, though progress has been made, the
central/state government ministries still hold on to some of the devolved functions.
In the FMSs in the South, districts such as Baidoa, Kismayo and Dhusamareb have weak LG
institutional structures, limited personnel and finances to discharge their functions effectively. In
the more established LGs in Somaliland and Puntland, frequent leadership changes, high staff
turnover, low remuneration and skills gaps affect continuity of services; create gaps, huge costs of
recruiting/training new staff and inability by LGs to institutionalize good processes and practices.
Well-established local governments in Puntland continually are damaged by political decisions of the
PL Government to remove councils and Mayors, setting back long-term investments in training and
undermining visions and strategies.
The unresolved status of Mogadishu: As the seat of Federal Government and the Capital City,
Mogadishu enjoys an important place in the political/socio-economic and historical discourse in
Somalia. However, Mogadishu is also the seat of the Benadir Regional Administration and
Municipality. Within the broader Federal arrangement, its place and role are also seen from the
prisms of the tribal arit_h_m_e_t_i_c_ _t_h_a_t_ _u_n_d_e_r_p_i_n_s_ _S_o_m_a_l_i_a_’s_
_p_olitical arrangements. As such, its place and role is a subject of an ongoing debate creating
ambiguity from a local governance perspective. How to relate to Mogadishu in relation to the
Federal/MoIFAR arrangements creates a significant challenge for JPLG.
Insecurity hindering access and engagement: While significant gains are being made to enhance
security, large areas of Southern Somalia, especially beyond the FMSs capitals are still under the
grip of Al-Shabaab (_o_r_ _n_o_ _m_a_n_’s_ _l_a_n_d_)_ _and therefore inaccessible or
unconducive for the effective engagement by JPLG agencies. Due to the security challenges and
contextual jurisdiction/power contestation, the FMSs are unable to create the right environment
for local governments to function For instance, Mogadishu, Kismayo and Badoa municipalities, are
yet to establish Local Councils, a key ingredient for LG functioning.
Unsettled political contestation in the South: In the newly recovered areas in the south, though Al
Shabaab has been pushed back, the communities are still hurting from decades of clan fighting and
contest for power and control. In most capital districts in the FMSs, such as Kismayu, Baidoa and
Dhusamareb, competing federal/state/clan political power interests and inter-clan rivalries are
likely to slow down establishment of effective local governments. Without proper reconciliation
leading to healing and amicable power sharing agreements, establishing effective local
governments may be difficult. This calls for a coordinated, multi-partner approach to tackle the
challenges.
Proliferation of new districts: The JPLG recognizes the pre- 1991 districts, which are pegged at 82
across Somalia and Somaliland. However, due to changing political and population dynamics and
urbanization, governments across Somalia/Somaliland have been altering district boundaries and
creating new districts. Recently, Somaliland increased its districts from 23 to 103. While this is
inevitable due to the changing dynamics, some of these districts are too small, have minimal
economic activities and may not be economically viable and thus unable to provide quality basic
services. Besides, creation of new districts is putting pressure on the JPLG to expand beyond its
capacity.
Potential risks of doing harm: While the UN has clear guidelines on non-interference or working in
the contested Sool & Sanaag regions and the JPLG programme has been very clear on its position of
not implementing any interventions in these contested regions, the respective SL/PL governments
have been pushing the JPLG to roll out its programme into these areas.
Using the ‘Government led Expansion Strategy, both Somaliland and Puntland have extended the
local governance programme using JPLG approaches and tools in some parts of Sool and Sanaag
such as Badhan and Las’anod. Since it these programmes are coordinated from different jurisdiction,
it is possible that multiple local governance structures, processes and systems will be established in
the same districts by the two governments. Already, in Badhan District in Sanaag Region, both
Somaliland and Puntland are implementing the JPLG approach with potential for causing conflict of
LG systems and approaches in the district.

Key Lessons Learnt:

NCA education programme has been the backbone of developmental programmes in Gedo
which should be reinforced
Security is the main constraint and frequently interrupts activities. Access and acceptance of
NCA staff has enhanced programme impact and allowed completion of the project.

Recurrent and prolonged drought challenges can easily disrupt the implementation plan as
attention is thereafter focused towards addressing the emergency occasioned by it (drought).
Media, especially through radio and publicity materials have increased coverage of information
dissemination on GBV and other gender concerns, like FGM

Use of religion to fight piracy and other harmful cultural practices is working and should be
expanded. Female youth should also be included in the vocational and business skills training.

Security remains a major challenge in Mogadishu and the project developed close partnership
with BRA and district police to clear sites from explosive remnants and protect workers during
working hours.

Registration of relatively large number of beneficiaries and the level of details required i.e.
contacts is a challenge that requires close consultation and coordination with district
representatives and stakeholders. Each district two district staff were assigned to support the
registration and supervision of clean-up activities in the district, the project allocated incentives
for the two district staff to support the clean-up activities.

The project team realized that, contrary to previously prevailing perception on the security risk
posed to workers, there was no security incident during work. The district communities and
authorities responded positively on the clean-up project interventions and women showed
more willingness to participate the project than men. These are important lessons learned by
the project team.