BACKGROUND

To build broad based information on Somalia’s current political and social dynamics, CRD research team, in partnership with WSP International, undertook a comprehensive preliminary exercise in data gathering pertaining to the rebuilding process of Somalia. The researchers and local actors have joined effort in a collective research analysis which identified and prioritized the needs for the reconstruction process of Somalia. A series thematic issue has been addressed as a priority jointly identified with the participants in the consultation process which will guide CRD’s future research activities and national dialogue efforts.

The current research document is based on a data gathered by the researchers which has been analysed and compiled as a Country Note to be utilized by both local and international actors as well as academic institutions. This is a ‘snapshot’ of the current dynamics of Somalia in a post-conflict environment – particularly in the South and Central regions which was hit particularly hard by the struggle for power in the aftermath of the downfall of the previous Somali government.

CRD, in partnership with WSP International, is launching a national project group meeting to take place in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 3-4, 2004. The meeting will be attended by representatives of internal actors and some notable external actors involving in the rebuilding process of Somalia. The attendants will review, discuss and amend, if needed, about the findings of the presented research findings. To compliment the research document, CRD/WSP International will also present an audio visual documentary film used to enhance the research findings. The vital role to be played by the project group meeting, in carrying consensus recommendations, is to reflect the individual organism, constituencies and communities they represent. Click Here for Larger Image

As a part of its outreach activities, CRD supports the current Somali national reconciliation conference in Mbagathi, Kenya, and maintains regular contacts with the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF) and the facilitation committee, including the special envoy of the Kenyan government Mr. Bethuel Kiplagat, and the concerned diplomats, to keep them informed. CRD also assist key stakeholders to better respond to the challenges of the rebuilding process. CRD provides relevant information on critical issues seeking consensus on their intervention and facilitates their responses and efforts. As a part of engaging a broad range of Somali stakeholders, mainly the political protagonists in the consultations, CRD will organize a second national project group meeting in Mbagathi, Kenya at the end of July 2004.

For further information, please contact:

CRD/WSP International Mogadishu, Somalia Office
002521-658-66/0025259-32497
crd@crdsomalia.org
www.crdsomalia.org

CLICK HERE TO READ CRD BACKGROUND INFORMATION: