Coordinating development in conflict states: donor networks in Somalia

Multilevel, networked systems of governance are a fundamental fact of life in most African conflict settings. This article looks at the coordination networks that influence the management of aid-in-conflict in the case of Somalia. The paper clarifies that while coordination is a source of peer accountability, formal coordination in Somalia remains largely weak, non-binding and elusive. Consequently, the country is marked by general unease about accountability across all involved actors. The author underlines that humanitarian and development activities overlap over decades, notably in South Central Somalia. In addition, at the multi-sectoral level, divisions persist as to who leads coordination and through what means. The document states that the internal division and perceived bias of key UN institutions, combined with their multiple roles make their task a difficult one. Nevertheless, the paper emphasises that effective solutions to problems can be found. Conclusions are as follows: • the middle ground, the attempt to build capacity for public policy during engagement, would be a crucial part of any coherent strategy of engagement • comprehensive aid strategies that comprise various logics of engagement need to be given shape by relatively autonomous donor country offices • often, creative and successful coordination can occur based not on multi-sectoral agreements but programme-specific engagement that over time can be replicated in other areas • differences in approaches will persist due to the heterogeneity of all actors and the multiplicity of interests involved • trilateral dialogue about aid, including Somali counterparts, donors and the UN system should be tangible and at technical levels.