Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Quarterly Report October - December, 2012

The program was implemented by DAI and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The TIS program focused on building confidence between government institutions and citizens by improving public services and promoting Somali ownership. In the last quarter of 2012, the TIS program made significant progress in various regions of Somalia. In Puntland, the government welcomed the newly appointed Somali Prime Minister, Abdi Faarah Shirdoon, and continued to fight piracy along its coast. The Puntland Marine Forces seized 37 sacks of arms and rescued 22 hostages on board the MV Iceberg 1 vessel. In Somaliland, the government held peace talks with the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SCC) militia group, resulting in a disarmament pact and the appointment of one of the group's founders as Minister of Resettlement and Rehabilitation. The TIS program implemented various activities to promote peace and stability in Somalia. In Geriley, Dhobley, Diif, and Kolbio, and Raskamboni, the program facilitated two consensus-building planning sessions, resulting in 21 stabilization activities worth $1.2 million. The program also increased confidence in local authorities by facilitating five celebratory events to promote government service delivery. Additionally, the program awarded 16 contracts to local vendors through community contracting processes to promote fair and transparent tendering. The TIS program also focused on building the capacity of influential figures in peace building. The program invited Somaliland's Vice Minister of Interior and Puntland's Director General from the Ministry of Interior to participate in a one-week conflict transformation course in Johannesburg. The course equipped participants with the appropriate skills and strategies for dealing with conflict. In terms of geographical coverage, the TIS program implemented activities in various regions of Somalia, including Mogadishu, Kismayo, Hobyo, Erigavo, Gardo, Eyl, Afmadow, Burco, El Bur, Bardera, Galkayo, Baidoa, El Afwein, El Der, Luuq, Bulo Burti, Iskushuban, Taleh, Badhan, Hargeisa, Bur Hakaba, Dinsor, Jariban, Xudun, Jilib, Lasanod, Berbera, Burtinle, Sakow, Belet Weyne, Garowe, Tieglo, El Waq, Bosaso, and others. The TIS program also prioritized the health of displaced populations in Garowe. Representatives from Puntland's capital decided to improve sanitation in three displacement camps, working with the Puntland Youth Peer and Education Network. The project provided 140 drums, 60 wheelbarrows, 150 rakes, 60 shovels, and 450 protective gloves to the community for garbage disposal. In terms of results, the TIS program reported significant progress in promoting peace and stability in Somalia. The program strengthened and built confidence in 31 sub-national government institutions through improved service delivery. The program also increased confidence in governance by attributing activities to government institutions, rather than USAID or DAI. Five celebratory events were successfully held to instil confidence and bring communities and governments together. Overall, the TIS program made significant progress in promoting peace and stability in Somalia in the last quarter of 2012. The program's focus on building confidence between government institutions and citizens, promoting Somali ownership, and improving public services contributed to its success.