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consider why study trips are so popular with Somalilanders and why they might be of benefit in
the future. It is recommended that support to study trips continue following a detailed
consideration of past experiences and their impact.
Second, the support the international community has provided for intermittent legal consultants
to work on important legal drafts is another area where support should continue, particularly if
efforts to prepare for the parliamentary elections include a comprehensive electoral law.
However, this needs to be pursued in a way that builds on rather than detracts from internal
capacity and country ownership, for instance by using a mix of international and national
consultants who are also responsible for providing training and mentoring services to
committees.
4.
Support the creation of an environment of learning and information-sharing through
investments in infrastructure
Dovetailing recommendation three regarding internal legislative capacity-building efforts, there
is an accompanying need for investments in infrastructure that would facilitate learning and
research among members of parliament and staff, including a library, computer equipment and
access to online resources. This is an area in which donor support would be well-placed, though
it is important to note that the provision of access to information is not tantamount to
information being used: accompanying training and guidance on how to use information in the
context of parliament’s work is also needed to supplement material investments.
Gaps in Support to be Addressed
1.
Undertake a capacity needs assessment to inform a legislative capacity-building strategy
The need for both members of parliament and staff to be better equipped to draft, review and
debate legislation was a common theme among participants and interviewees. Given that there
is a high demand and assumed willingness to participate in capacity-building efforts, combined
with the new parliamentary intake following the forthcoming elections in 2015, as a start it is
recommended that a capacity assessment of members of parliament and staff in both chambers
is undertaken in order to inform capacity-building efforts and to act as a baseline for subsequent
monitoring of capacity development.
Taking a longer-term view, donors should prepare themselves to commit to supporting long-
term capacity building measures tailored to the roles and responsibilities of the two chambers,
as well as offering the availability of post-training support either in-house or from an external
party. These efforts might also provide an opportunity for civil society groups with particular
expertise in this area (if available) to offer training support. Another challenge is that
Somalilanders lacked specificity in regards to their training needs.
2.
Strengthen capacity for Executive oversight
In line with participant observations regarding the challenges of effectively overseeing and
holding the executive to account and donor interest in pursuing anti-corruption activities in the
country, the oversight function of parliament requires serious attention. The current
government’s political willingness to pursue anti-corruption efforts (including the establishment
of the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Commission) presents an opportunity to
