About the Project

There is recognition that the ongoing military offensive against Al-Shabaab must be complemented with an additional people-centered approach to governance and service delivery, providing stabilization through local solutions in line with the FGS National Stabilization Strategy. In many Newly Recovered Areas (NRA) in the Federal Member States, there is no permanent state security presence. Formal policing services in these areas are sometimes provided by state Darwish police (e.g. in Galmudug the State Darwish have been trained but there are no Hirshabelle State Darwish) and limited numbers of Somalia Police Force (SPF) Darwish and a small number of State Police. Informal policing and security are also provided by community-based security groups, however, the makeup of these informal groups differs from one district to another.

This project will support the expansion of people-centric policing services in 6 NRAs, selected in line with government stabilization priorities, through community engagement based on an agreed security framework in line with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). The objective is to establish community engagement with the local police, including Darwish, and develop inclusive local police plans for security and stability in the community. The government and UN’s collaboration would require coordination and integration of local efforts across 6 target locations selected based on conflict mapping and vulnerability criteria, bringing together good policing practices in newly recovered and fragile areas. These engagements will include a deepened engagement with community elders, women and youth, and to work with the police and local administration (interim administration wherever present) to establish stability, peace and trust, resulting in a stronger social contract between the people and the state.