Diakonia - Somalia

Diakonia has been working in Somalia since 1994. Our work is concentrated to the northern Puntland region. Its focus has shifted from building schools and prisons to broader work with in human rights and democracy.

Somalia is situated on the Horn of Africa, covering an area one and a half times the size of Sweden. The country has not had a fully functioning government since 1991, when president Barre was overthrown and civil war broke out. In 2012 a new parliament and president were elected, and Somalia had its first internationally recognised government since 1991.

Despite this positive development, the political situation and security inthe country is very fragile. The government only controls part of the country. The Puntland region, where Diakonia operates, has been spared from armed conflict, although kidnappings, piracy and trafficking occur. Lately, the security situation of the Puntland region has deteriorated due to the presence and activities of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.