Building Resilience Amidst Adversity: UNOPS’ Commitment to Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – The majestic dust of Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, bears the echoes of both hope and hardship. It was here that Jorge Moreira da Silva, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), recently wrapped up a significant visit. He came to reaffirm, once again, the UN’s enduring pledge to foster peace and sustainable development in the region.

This visit was no solitary endeavor. Instead, it was a part of a broader regional initiative that will also lead him to the heartlands of Ethiopia and Sudan. Though each of these nations weaves its distinct narrative, they share intertwined challenges and aspirations.

Moreira da Silva’s time in Mogadishu was marked by strategically important meetings. He engaged with Somali authorities and international partners in an earnest dialogue about development priorities and ongoing initiatives across pivotal sectors. It is said that true collaboration is born out of conversation, and his discussions were testimony to this belief.

Amidst these interactions, a significant meeting unfolded with Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali. Here, da Silva reiterated UNOPS’ unwavering dedication to supporting Somalia’s rehabilitation and institution-building endeavors. He noted, “For over three decades, we have worked with Somali institutions and international partners to strengthen governance, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. We remain committed to offering practical solutions that support peace and resilience.” His words, like a gentle yet persistent stream, touched upon the deepest concerns of a nation striving for stability.

Resilience Against Rising Threats

However, this reaffirmation comes at a time shadowed by an increasingly fragile security environment. Al-Shabaab, a name that echoes dread across Somalia, remains an omnipresent threat. Recognized globally as a terrorist organization, this group continues to execute savage attacks, causing grievous harm to civilians and government entities alike, especially in Mogadishu and central Somalia. These actions are stark reminders that peace comes at a heavy cost.

Security analysts have long cautioned against the group’s adaptability and organization. Their capacity to thwart humanitarian efforts and stagnate developmental progress cannot be underestimated. In the face of such adversities, one might ask: How does a nation under siege look towards a future of peace?

These persistent conflicts have led to large-scale displacement, contributing to an escalating humanitarian crisis where nearly six million people—a third of Somalia’s population—find themselves in dire need of relief.

Contributions That Matter

Despite such daunting challenges, UNOPS remains undeterred. They continue to press forward with essential programs, adapting to the cracks and creases of Somalia’s landscape to foster growth and resilience. Among these groundbreaking initiatives is the construction of the nation’s first fully operational national blood bank—a pioneering step forward in enhancing healthcare services.

There’s also renewed collaboration with the Ministry of Health, oriented towards building and rehabilitating six regional hospitals and setting up a central cold chain facility. These efforts aim to cement a healthier and more secure foundation for the future.

Furthermore, Moreira da Silva highlighted a pivotal initiative: UNOPS’ endeavor to equip the Somali National Army with non-lethal support. Backed by the European Peace Facility, this project aspires to reinforce Somalia’s security forces and uphold the rule of law. “Our support is especially critical in this context of instability,” da Silva remarked, underscoring the integral nature of infrastructure, procurement, and crisis response in advancing Somali society towards peace and prosperity.

The Road Ahead

As his visit drew to a close, da Silva urged the necessity for sustained international backing to help Somalia confront the dual challenges of violent extremism and humanitarian need. The path ahead requires laying a robust foundation for long-term stability and development, where international solidarity plays a crucial role.

In every step, every handshake, and every word spoken during his visit, there was a resounding declaration: Somalia’s future, though fraught with obstacles, holds boundless potential. Perhaps we might ask ourselves, as global citizens, how can each of us participate in this journey of hope?

Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring.