From a complex emergency to recovery and development in Somalia

SOMALIA'S THREE ZONES AND THEIR DIFFERENT STAGES OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RECOVERY

Somaliland: Early Stages of Development

Somaliland has experienced relative stability with functioning regional institutions and is in the early stages of development. With an estimated population of 2 -- 3 million, Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 declaring 'independence' which to date has not been recognized by the international community. Somaliland did not participate in the recent peace process (2003/4) initiated in neighboring Kenya and has continued to reiterate its sovereignty. Meanwhile, a nascent democratic system has been put in place as ongoing political development and economic recovery materialize. Key humanitarian issues revolve around disruption to livelihoods due to an extended period of drought and the challenging living conditions of the internally displaced. Of the 1.2 million refugees that fled Somalia's conflict in 1991, 700,000 have returned back to Somaliland, attracted by the dynamic urban areas and relative peace and stability of the region.

Puntland: Early Stages of Recovery

Puntland is situated in the north east of Somalia, centered around the administrative capital of Garowe and is in the early stages of recovery. In the past three years, this area has also experienced relative stability with a functioning regional adminstration. In 1998, political leaders declared Puntland an autonomous region which in future they hope will be part of a federal united Somalia. In the past, conflict, drought, poor road infrastructure and out migration of people (especially prior to the civil war in the early 1990s) paralyzed the region's infrastructures and economic resources. The last major conflict took place in 2002 when two rival factions fought for authority and power. In the last three years, and attracted by Puntland's relative stability, the number of people spontaneously moving into the region has risen (400,000) - fleeing the south for security and economic reasons. IDPs and returnees occupy the major towns, particularly Bossaso, Galkayo, Garowe and Gardho.

South/Central: A Complex Emergency

South/Central remains a complex emergency and continues to experience little authoritative government, sporadic armed conflict, widespread human rights abuses, lack of economic recovery, endemic humanitarian needs, minimal access to social services, flooding, drought and displacement. Lower/Middle Juba, Bay, Bakool, Gedo, Hiran, Mudug and Galgadud regions are beset by localized recurrent conflicts characterized by inter and intra clan rivalry, militia roadblocks/checkpoints, and random banditry with major flashpoints over power and resources, particularly land and water. Against this unpredictability, UN agencies, INGOs and local partners focus to the greatest extent possible on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable and food insecure, the displaced, returnees and minority groups through a diverse mix of programmatic approaches. Meanwhile, chronic food insecurity and unacceptably high malnutrition levels persist in the south. In 2005, around a quarter of the under five population experienced levels of acute malnutrition exceeding the internationally accepted rate (15%). In parts of Gedo and Juba regions, malnutrition is above 20%. The region also faces the challenge of recurrent flooding (seen along the Juba Valley in May 2005 due to heavy rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands). The lack of sustained humanitarian access and reduced operational capacity is a major factor affecting human survival.

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