101
Where real threats of instability exist in the country’s eastern region donors may want to
explore using “quick win” service delivery projects, such as the quick impact projects used in
situations requiring stabilization. More generally it is recommended that national and local
governments are supported in finding ways of engaging with and sustaining relationships with
both the media and civil society organizations, both of which can play a pivotal role as
mediators between the government and citizenry. A further option which as yet appears to have
gone unexplored is to capitalize on the existence of district councils as a locus point for
engagement with higher levels of government due to their perceived close relations with and
“embeddedness” in local communities.
149
Opportunity 8: Support efforts at the grassroots level to increase the participation of
women and youth in local decision making processes.
Though this was not a common priority among Somalilanders it is a key focus for donors and
implementing organizations and is arguably central to the achievement of a truly democratic
government. Participation of women and youth is deepening, as evidenced by the recent local
elections, and in accordance with the need to move “beyond” elections it is recommended that
recent gains are turned into sustained achievements. The participation of women and youth is
critical to gaining public buy-in and ensuring that local and national development is planned in
a way that includes their perspectives. The existence of relatively strong umbrella NGO groups
representing women and youth provides an obvious entry point for sustained and meaningful
engagement, though it is recommended that local level engagement is concentrated on the
grassroots.
149 Interviewee.
