A new study by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies has examined how civil society organisations helped sustain essential services and support Somalia’s state-building efforts during decades of weak government, highlighting their contribution to healthcare, education and public accountability.
The research traces the growing importance of civil society organisations to the collapse of Somalia’s central government in the early 1990s, a period that weakened state institutions and disrupted the delivery of basic public services.
With government structures struggling to provide essential services, civil society organisations became important players in supporting communities, filling gaps in healthcare, education and other areas of public welfare.
The study also examines how these organisations have evolved over the years, looking at their structures, independence and ability to influence government accountability and transparency.
Mursal Mahamuud Saney, Director of the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, said the contribution of Somali civil society dates back many years, with organisations playing an important role in the country’s state-building process.
He noted that their involvement extended to efforts that contributed to the establishment of Somalia’s Third Republic, underscoring the significance of civil society in the country’s political and institutional development.
The role of civil society in holding government accountable
Beyond providing essential services, the study identifies civil society organisations as important actors in promoting transparency, demanding accountability from public institutions and encouraging citizens to participate in national affairs.
Their work has provided avenues through which communities can engage with government institutions, raise concerns and push for better governance.
The research stresses that understanding the contribution of these organisations requires examining both their achievements and the obstacles that affect their effectiveness.
It particularly explores questions surrounding their independence and organisational capacity, as well as their ability to influence public institutions and strengthen accountability.
Despite their contribution to the country’s recovery and state-building efforts, civil society organisations continue to face challenges that could limit their impact.
The study examines the factors affecting their effectiveness, including their organisational structures, independence and capacity to perform oversight roles.
These concerns are significant given the responsibilities civil society organisations have assumed in a country where public institutions have faced decades of disruption.