We are committed to fostering democratic values by strengthening civic institutions and supporting governance systems that are inclusive, transparent, and representative of the Somali people’s voice and will. Our work is grounded in the belief that sustainable peace, development, and justice can only emerge through accountable institutions and an active, informed citizenry.

Through our Democracy and Governance Program, we focus on building resilient state and civic structures that are capable of managing conflict, delivering services, and enabling participatory decision-making. Our approach acknowledges the complexity of state building in fragile and post-conflict contexts like Somalia, where the challenges of institutional development intersect with urgent needs for reconciliation, legitimacy, and social cohesion.

OUR CORE FOCUS AREAS

• Strengthening Civic Education and Citizen Engagement
  We promote a culture of democratic participation by educating citizens about their rights, responsibilities, and the role of government. By encouraging civic literacy, we empower communities to engage in political processes and demand accountability from their leaders.

• Facilitating Policy Dialogue Between Citizens and Public Officials
  We create platforms for open, constructive dialogue that bridge the gap between government authorities and the communities they serve. These forums encourage transparency, trust-building, and collaborative problem-solving around public policy and service delivery.

• Enhancing Local Governance Structures and Accountability Mechanisms
  Our programs help local administrations improve service delivery and responsiveness through training, institutional development, and community oversight. We support the establishment of clear accountability mechanisms to ensure public resources are used effectively and equitably.

• Promoting Women and Youth Inclusion in Political Processes
  We prioritize the inclusion of women and youth—historically underrepresented in governance—by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and support to lead, advocate, and participate meaningfully in decision-making at all levels.

UNDERSTANDING OUR WORK WITHIN THE BROADER CONTEXT OF STATE BUILDING

In its broadest sense, state building refers to the development of institutions capable of exercising legitimate authority across a defined territory. While traditionally linked to the emergence of centralized governance structures, standing armies, and rational legal systems—as seen in Western Europe’s evolution from feudalism to the modern nation-state—state building in the post-colonial and post-conflict world is far more complex.

Modern state-building efforts, particularly in fragile states like Somalia, must contend with historical legacies of fragmentation, colonial borders, underdeveloped institutions, and elite-driven politics. Unlike the coercive and militarized paths of state formation in early-modern Europe, contemporary state building increasingly relies on inclusive governance, local legitimacy, and external support, often mediated through international aid and civil society engagement.

Moreover, research shows that democratization without prior development of core state institutions—such as a professional civil service, transparent tax systems, and rule of law—can hinder effective governance. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Somalia: while democratization is a vital goal, it must be built on a foundation of strong institutions and broad-based political inclusion.

In fragile environments, there is also the risk that state expansion occurs not to improve public service or governance capacity, but to maintain elite political coalitions. This can lead to patronage-based governance, weak oversight, and the erosion of public trust. Our work explicitly counters these trends by promoting citizen participation, anti-corruption measures, and local ownership of development processes.

OUR VISION

We envision a Somalia where governance is rooted in legitimacy, participation, and justice. By helping to build civic institutions that are inclusive and resilient, we are not only promoting democratic values—we are laying the groundwork for a responsive and effective state that reflects the realities and aspirations of all Somalis.