Research Studies

This paper examines the impact of the clannish dogma “hiil iyo hoo” on justice and governance in Somalia. Rooted deeply in Somali culture, “hiil iyo hoo” emphasizes protection and social security within clans, influencing individual and group behaviors and perceptions of justice. Using multi-method approach to explore the intricate relationship between “hiil iyo hoo” and Somalia’s justice system, the study contrasts this traditional principle with Somalia’s formal justice system, imported from the West, which fails to align with these local values. The coexistence of these systems has contributed to corruption, mistrust, and political instability. The paper discusses the customary xeer-dhaqameed system, which emphasizes restorative justice and clan unity, and highlights the challenges posed by the formal system’s presumption of impartiality and independence. It also addresses issues in service delivery, exacerbated by nepotism and favoritism rooted in “hiil iyo hoo.” The paper concludes with recommendations for harmonizing traditional and modern justice systems, including the integration of Sharia law and the establishment of mechanisms to mitigate clan influences on governance.

This study examines the resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia, focusing on the Puntland region, by exploring the underlying factors contributing to its reemergence and the impacts on maritime security. Utilizing a qualitative research design, data were collected through interviews with 22 key informants, including community leaders, local fishermen, maritime security experts, businesspeople, former pirates, and government officials. This primary data is supplemented by a comprehensive literature review. Thematic analysis using TAGUETTE identified key themes related to piracy impacts and potential interventions. Findings reveal that modern pirate groups have adapted with sophisticated organizational structures and advanced technological capabilities, originating mainly from impoverished and socio-economically challenged communities. Despite international naval interventions reducing piracy incidents, the root causes such as state collapse, illegal fishing, and economic deprivation remain unaddressed. Stakeholder responses highlight successes and ongoing challenges in anti-piracy efforts. While naval forces have reduced incidents, these measures are not sustainable long-term solutions. Community leaders and former pirates emphasize addressing economic and social issues, while government officials stress the need for stronger governance and law enforcement. The study recommends a multifaceted approach beyond military interventions, including protecting maritime resources, providing alternative livelihoods, strengthening local governance, and fostering international cooperation to combat illegal fishing. Investing in community-based anti-piracy programs and regional security initiatives is essential for sustainable solutions and regional stability.

On February 6, 2023, violence erupted in Lasanod town as clashes occurred between Somaliland forces and local forces following weeks of protests sparked after the assassination of Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi, also known as Hadrawi, in late December 2022. Hadrawi, a local businessman, was among more than 120 prominent community members who have been targeted and assassinated by gunmen over the past thirteen years. The root of the tension in Lasanod can be traced back to 2007 when Somaliland forces gained control of the town, resulting in the withdrawal of the Puntland administration’s forces. The change in administration and subsequent withdrawal of forces played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the ongoing tensions and conflicts in Lasanod (International Crisis Group, 2023). The protests took a dramatic turn when Somaliland responded with excessive force, resorting to live ammunition, resulting in the loss of approximately 15 lives, including children. The conflict also led to the arrest of over 100 people, thousands injured, and displacement of over 185,000 residents. Amnesty International found that Somaliland forces indiscriminately shelled the town, damaging hospitals, schools, and mosques. Many displaced people have lost their homes, means of subsistence, and even loved ones, living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Six months into the conflict and the continuous bombardment of the town by Somaliland forces, the humanitarian assistance provided to the people escaping the conflict has been inadequate. The lack of support from Somali federal leadership and political complexities associated with the conflict have hindered the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts, including delivering food and shelter security and providing social services. SIDRA conducted a study to examine the humanitarian challenges faced by the broader population of Lasanod, with a specific focus on those who have been displaced due to the conflict. The study aims to elucidate significant areas of concern and present practical strategies to effectively coordinate substantive humanitarian aid for the civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The first case of the Novel Coronavirus (SARS Cov-2) in Somalia was confirmed on the 16th of March 2020[1] 5 days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease “a global pandemic”. As of 16 June 2021, Somalia reported 14,841 confirmed cases and 775 deaths[2]. The first wave of the infection lasted almost four months between mid-March 2020 and July 2020, with a weekly average of 173 confirmed cases and 5 deaths. The infection rate has risen sharply in the second wave between February 2021 and May 2021, with a weekly average of 553 confirmed cases and 36 deaths, an ominous signifier of more rapid spread of the infection and the loss of more lives than the previous wave in 2020. On the 15th March 2021, Somalia become one of the first 12 African countries to receive COVID-19 vaccine supply through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility[1].  COVAX initiative is supported by WHO, GAVI, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to improve equitable access and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines around the world. It procures a supply of COVID-19 vaccines for low- and middle-income countries under the pooled procurement mechanism equivalent to inoculate twenty percent (20%) of their population. UNICEF, WHO, GAVI and other partners worked together to develop guidance, tools and training resources to support countries in assessing their readiness and planning to introduce and roll out COVID-19 vaccination. This study on the status of COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Somalia, assesses the existing opportunities and challenges to the COVID-19 mass vaccination and proposes policy options and recommendations to address the identified rollout gaps for COVID-19 immunization.

Sexual violence is widespread in Somalia. Two decades of conflict and the collapse of the basic functions of government have brought about a system where women and girls, many displaced and living in IDP camps, are inherently vulnerable to rape and other forms of sexual violence. The systematic use of sexual violence and rape has been a common feature of conflict perpetrated by all actors involved. Abortion is permitted in Somalia only to save the life of the mother basing on the 2012 Provisional Constitution of Somalia, the Somalia Penal Code (Legislative Decree No. 5 of 16 December 1962) and the Somalia Essential Drug List, 2003. In practice, this can be interpreted loosely or strictly, according to level of privilege enjoyed within Somali society. Clan affiliation, family wealth, and links with religious institutions as well as structural factors like rural/urban, pastoral/home-based and level of poverty can dictate the extent to which this rule is enforced. The more vulnerable you are, the higher possibility that you will not be able to access safe abortion services. Sexual violence survivors are extremely vulnerable, and require immediate support in the aftermath of assault. In a country where emergency contraception is non-existent, abortion services are absolutely critical.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) referred to preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) for the first time in Resolution 2178 in September 2014. On February 2015, the US convened a three-day White House summit on CVE that discussed countering ISIS and violent extremism. In 2016, the UN Secretary General presented his action plan on preventing violent extremism to the General Assembly. These international efforts have also been complemented at the regional level with member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) seeking to be involved in CVE interventions. IGAD validated its Regional Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in 2017, which aims to provide a roadmap to guide the region in addressing violent extremism in a more collaborative and cooperative manner. Kenya has launched a National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism and Somalia has developed a National Strategy and Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Other countries in the region are also working in their country-specific strategies. The Somali Institute for Development and Research Analysis (SIDRA) was commissioned to conduct this mapping study on P/CVE in Somalia. The study sought to produce evidence-based research that can be applied at the policy, programming and discourse levels to prevent and counter violent extremism in Somalia. The mapping study was carried out in five towns considered to have been adversely affected by AlShabaab radicalization and violent extremism: Kismayo, Baidoa, Mogadishu, Galkayo and Bossaso.

Through the supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Somalia, the Somalia Institute for Development and Research Analysis (SIDRA) was awarded a consultancy service by the Puntland Ministry of Interior, Federalism and Democratization (MoIFD) to conduct a study entitled “Community Survey and Mapping for District Disaster Risk Management”. The goal of this study was to provide data, information and analysis to help understand the current disaster management system in the nine districts studied. Based on the study ToR, the assessment covered six areas: Community vulnerability to disasters; Community disaster preparedness; Disaster management capacity; Key disaster prevention, response and recovery actions and priority interventions; Disaster risk management planning and Disaster information and monitoring and evaluation systems.

Research cooperation between Somalia and Sweden began in 1982, but was interrupted in the early 1990s due to the civil war. As Somalia gradually starts the process of institution- building and shifting towards a federal system, the Swedish government is considering whether and in what form to re-establish its support for domestic research capabilities. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency commissioned a team from the Overseas Development Institute and the Somali Institute for Development Research and Analysis (SIDRA) to conduct a feasibility study for research cooperation in Somalia. The study, which took place between March and October 2019, was organised around three guiding questions: What are the key enabling factors for and barriers to research performance and academic freedom at universities in Somalia today? What are the current ongoing initiatives termed, defined or categorised as ‘research’ support or cooperation to  and in Somalia? What are the different opportunities and modalities for support to and organisation of research cooperation in Somalia?

The number of girls enrolled in primary and secondary education globally is higher than ever before, and yet in Somalia large numbers of girls still drop out of secondary schools as a result of discriminatory gender norms. The Somali Institute for Development Research and Analysis (SIDRA) conducted qualitative research – including a video and blogging project – to understand the social, cultural and economic barriers that affect access to higher education for girls and women in Puntland, Somalia in particular.