90
moving) towards more democratic and participatory models of government. While the full
implications of the 2001 constitution are yet to be realized (and indeed understood), it is
necessary that these relatively new governance structures are able to meet expectations and be
welcomed as legitimate actors in Somaliland’s development, particularly at the local level.
Ultimately, the governance situation throughout Somalia depends on continued progress in both
implementing decentralization and establishing a clearer framework to guide this effort. With
the reforms in their relative infancy and the newly-elected local councils still fresh in office,
expectations need to be realistic. However, without concerted efforts to resolve
decentralization’s teething problems, the project might lose support from the public.
The government’s attempt to integrate NGO activities into its planning strategies has provoked
concern among civil society actors. In terms of planning, the NGO Act has been criticized for
representing a “backslide” into a further centralization of power by increasing the power of the
Ministry of Planning and Development over the NGO sector, and particularly that of
international organizations. Despite these legitimate concerns by both national and international
NGOs, the law also presents an opportunity, as stated by the government of Somaliland, to
share information and harmonize development planning in accordance with the
National
Development Plan
.
Somaliland Strategy Analysis Framework: Executive and Local Governance
For the purposes of this democratization strategy assessment, analysis of executive and local
governance interests, needs and priorities took place within a framework informed by DFID’s
capability, accountability and responsiveness framework.
A graphical representation of the Somaliland national and local governance framework is shown
below:
