The Somali Ministry of Planning recently organized the first phase of an accountability week for international NGOs operating in the country. The event aimed to coordinate the efforts of these organizations with the government’s ministries and civil society groups to ensure effective aid delivery and alignment with national development priorities.
Participating NGOs included the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Care International, News Foundation, and the International Medical Corps (IMC). Representatives from various government ministries and civil society organizations also attended the event.
Mahmoud Saeed Noor, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Planning, highlighted the importance of this accountability exercise. He stated that it allows different government agencies and international NGOs to come together, share their work, review progress, and identify areas for improvement.
“This continuous accountability process is crucial for us as an institution to maintain transparency,” said Noor. “When we meet, discuss, and review our work together, many valuable insights emerge.”
Abdifarhan Farah Gure, the Deputy Country Director of Care International Somalia, praised the coordination efforts. He emphasized the need to align the NGO’s project plans with the government’s upcoming National Development Plan to ensure coherence and maximize impact.
Abubaker Gacal, a representative from the IRC, outlined the NGO’s various projects in Somalia, ranging from disaster risk reduction and emergency response to broader development initiatives.
Nicima Abdi, the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator at the Ministry of Planning, underscored the significance of such coordination meetings between the government, implementing agencies, and international NGOs providing project funding.
The Somali government’s proactive approach to coordinating with international NGOs aims to streamline aid efforts, avoid duplication, and ensure that projects contribute effectively to the country’s development goals.
