Somalia diaspora aid provides $2 billion lifeline during crisis

Monday, August 19, 2024

Illustration © Rasmus Fly Filbert

MOGADISHU (HOL) — In the face of conflict, poverty and natural disasters, the Somali diaspora remains a vital lifeline to their homeland. A new report from the Danish Institute for International Affairs highlights the integral role diaspora humanitarian efforts play in Somalia, providing vital support to millions of people in need. The report warns that without this informal aid system, the situation on the ground would be far more dire, severely hampering the efforts of formal humanitarian organizations.

this ReportThe report, titled “Diaspora Aid Vital to Emergency Relief in Somalia”, highlights that the Somali diaspora, with annual contributions estimated at between $1.4 billion and $2 billion, is a lifeline for around 40% of Somali households. These funds are critical for food security, education, health care and emergency relief, especially in rural areas where formal aid often struggles to reach. The flexibility and speed with which diaspora actors can mobilize resources is critical to meeting the urgent needs of communities across Somalia.

This tradition of supporting the diaspora is deeply rooted, dating back to the early days of Somalia’s civil war. Over time, it has become a cornerstone of survival for many Somalis, filling gaps that regular aid cannot.

The report highlights the unique characteristics of Somalia’s diaspora humanitarianism, which is deeply rooted in cultural practices and Islamic obligations. This assistance is driven by long-standing systems of mutual support, making it “rapid, flexible and resilient”. However, these same characteristics also make it difficult to control and coordinate, leading to challenges in working with the formal international humanitarian system, which typically operates under a more structured and bureaucratic framework.

The report highlights tensions between Somali diaspora networks and formal humanitarian organizations. “Relations between the two systems are characterized by mistrust and a lack of collaboration,” the report states. Such tensions are further exacerbated by financial restrictions imposed due to concerns about terrorist financing. While intended to enhance security, these restrictions often delay or prevent critical funds from reaching those in need, revealing the complex balance between protecting and supporting vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, both the diaspora and formal aid systems have inadvertently excluded certain groups, particularly those without strong diaspora links or in remote areas, raising concerns about the inclusiveness of current humanitarian efforts in Somalia.

The report recommends relaxing restrictions on fund transfers to ensure timely and effective delivery of aid by the diaspora, and recommends that formal humanitarian organizations adopt the diaspora networks’ flexible, community-centric strategies to increase their impact in Somalia.