Galmudug – On July 12th, a delegation comprising representatives from the European Union (EU) Delegation, EU Embassies of Germany and Finland, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Somali Government met in Dhuusamareeb, in the State of Galmudug, to celebrate the closure of two flagship multi-million Euro stabilization projects, locally known as Daryeel and Deegaan Bile.

While these stabilization projects focused on core stabilization activities such as road clearances, basic social infrastructure and solar streetlights, they also addressed adverse impacts of conflict and climate change on vulnerable communities.

The projects were mainly implemented across the States of Galmudug and Hirshabelle but also in Jubbaland, and South West State- regions within Somalia known for their vulnerability to conflict and climate change.

Speaking at the official project closure event, the Vice President of Galmudug State of Somalia, HE Ali Eid, said, “By leveraging the lessons learned and best practices from these flagship stabilization projects, we will empower our communities facing conflict and climate change challenges and contribute to a brighter future for the most vulnerable.”

Climate change's adverse impacts, such as violent competition over scarce water and fertile land, have fueled political instability, displacement, and exacerbated long-standing land disputes in Somalia.

Over the past two  years, these projects have played a pivotal role in building trust among communities, establishing connections between diverse groups, strengthening relationships between diverse groups, strengthening relationships between citizens and state institutions, and enhancing environmental resilience in the face of climate-related shocks by introducing innovative approaches such as the Matching Grant Mechanism. 

This mechanism enables and incentivizes populations to work across the deep divides in politics, identity and community groups, by co-financing collective goals in the for of iinfrastructures, goods or services that foster genuine interdependence.

"The EU is supporting Somalia on stabilization efforts in newly liberated areas. We are proud to have been some of the first responders to this request from the government authorities. Somalia can count on EUs support in this domain”, stated Thomas Kieler, the EU Chargé d'Affaires to Somalia.

“Approximately 541,000 individuals have benefited from these projects, which are set to conclude in July 2023,” said Daniel Norfolk, Stabilization Senior Programme Coordinator at IOM Somalia. "Through innovative approaches, we have supported communities to work together towards shared objectives that can enhance security and peace."

The successful completion of the Daryeel and Deegaan Bile projects underscores the commitment of the European Union, IOM and its partners to mitigating the adverse impacts of conflict and climate change on vulnerable communities in Somalia.

This collaborative effort has significantly improved the lives of thousands of individuals, promoting peace, enhancing environmental resilience, and empowering communities to build a brighter future.

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For more information:

In the EU: Abdikadir Askar, Press and Information Officer Abdikadir-Dayib-Askar.ABOKOR@eeas.europa.eu

In IOM: Claudia Rosel, Media and Communications Officer: cbarrios@iom.int