US and UK vow to push Somalia's humanitarian, development agendas

MOGADISHU- The governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have vowed to continue pushing for state-building in Somalia, mainly boosting humanitarian assistance, education, security, youth empowerment, among other vital sectors.

In a Twitter Space discussion hosted by the Garowe Online, Ambassador Kate Foster [UK] and US Charge'D'Affairs Colleen Crenwelge explained several areas in which their respective governments have directly assisted Somalia to develop.

On humanitarian assistance, both countries elaborated some of the avenues used to support Somalis. Some are currently struggling with severe drought and hunger, which has left dozens of people dead. 

The US, Colleen Crenwelge said, has used over $400 million to mitigate some of the severe humanitarian conflicts in Somalia. Most of the money has been directed towards assisting IDPs, hunger, flood victims, and other vulnerable communities.

"USAID works in close coordination with government institutions in Somalia and International partners to meet the needs of many Somalis. For each of the last four fiscal years, the US has contributed more than $400 million humanitarian aid," noted Colleen Crenwelge.

On her part, Kate Foster, the UK Ambassador to Somalia, said London has developed " cash transfer programs" used for efficient humanitarian assistance in the federal republic of Somalia. 

Ms. Foster, who was recently posted to Somalia, also acknowledged the role played by the UK in training Somali security forces, especially in Baidoa. Similar training is conducted by the US, which trains Special Forces commonly known as Danab, who are critical in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Both envoys were categorical that their countries would not hesitate to stop training and funding Somali security forces who engage in politics. There have been allegations that the country's young army has often approached political issues partially.

With unemployment being one of the significant challenges in Somalia, the two envoys observed that their respective governments had done much to reduce youth unemployment. Somalia has a 75 percent youthful population.

"We have directed most of the support to the Small and Medium Enterprises. The UK believes in investing in the private sector, which is instrumental in boosting the country's ailing economy. We've been reaching out to youths and women in business," Ms. Foster said. 

Colleen Crenwelge added: "For the US, we've been giving $3 million loans to the youths while encouraging them to join the business and help in job creation. The government alone cannot create enough jobs for everyone. "

Working jointly with other international partners such as European Union and the United Nations, the two envoys also confirmed that the UK and US have been assisting on matters of education while working closely with other stakeholders in the country. 

Of critical importance, they noted, is enhanced primary education, which would assist in eliminating illiteracy which is at "appalling levels." Most of the funding, they added, is done through structured groups and the United Nations Children Fund [UNICEF].

Additionally, both the US and the UK revealed massive support to the civil society and the media, which help in "significantly pushing for good governance." Ms. Colleen Crenwelge added: "In fact, we recently sponsored media training on coverage of elections."

The media and civil society in Somalia were lauded for helping shape the country by pushing for transparency under a "difficult environment." In most cases, journalists and activists face harassment, arbitrary arrests, and deaths from government agents and Al-Shabaab operatives. 

GAROWE ONLINE