MSF WITHDRAWAL FROM #LAS-ANOOD & IMMEDIATE SOLUTION THROUGH LOCALIZATION LENCSES

 

The news of #MSF operations suspension at #LasAnood has today shocked the Somali people and it explored all social media platforms with everyone surprised of the Humanitarian organization’s Health Service delivery closure. The Humanitarian situation at #LaasCanood had been tense with massive displacement recorded of around 185,000 residents (UNHCR,2023) and loss of lives. 6 months into the fighting the Humanitarian response hasn’t been impactful as the humanitarian appeal for #LasAnod didn’t receive the attention it deserved partially due to the complexity surrounding the #Somaliland engagement in the fighting and with Somalia’s international partners partially trying to stand neutral ground amid of witnessed violation of International Humanitarian Law.

The majority of the Somali people were outraged by the announcement of #MSF withdrawal and health service delivery which is crucial to the local people of #LasAnood and many called for the international organization to reconsider its decision while a Statement from #MSF cited the rationale its operations suspended due to the safety of its staff and supplies movement.

What escalated MSF withdrawal?

Working in Somalia in general could pose risks and Humanitarian organizations of course are aware of certain risks in Somalia context and what is happening is #LasAnod is no exception or even worse things are happening in other parts of the country. Its understandable that part of Somalia had over the years enjoyed stability and peace before the war erupted there at the Sool region. Service delivery at times of war comes with a certain level of risk and its upon the International organizations to do its risk analysis and think about business/service delivery continuation in the event of the worst-case scenario.

The rigidness and reluctance of INGO to invest in true localization create an unpredictable service delivery vacuum in the case #MSF withdrawal where thousands of the conflict-affected population solely rely on life-saving health services. Localization has gained momentum in recent years; particularly following the adoption of the Grand Bargain at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016. The Grand Bargain is a set of commitments made by major donors and humanitarian organizations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of humanitarian action, including by supporting local actors and strengthening local capacities.

 

Risk appetite got to be instilled in INGOs operations in Somalia, at times the context changes drastically but again it’s the most suitable time for people who need support more than anything, Humanitarian Aid is #Somalia has never been risk-free but the preference is what determines at the end. I recall some of the NNGOs being abducted by armed grounds on multiple incidents while on duty to serve Humanity and yet their resilience is what inspire the service to the community isn’t disrupted.

 

Is location the Solution?

Localization and a true sense of power shift within the Humanitarian system in #Somalia could have transformed the Somalia Aid architecture with sustainable service delivery far beyond where INGO can reach, Often first response to any Emergency strikes in #Somalia is by local actors (Government, NNGO and Local Community) with in-depth knowledge of the local context i.e NNGOs can assess local needs, Engage with the local stakeholders, Adopt locally relevant programs and build local capacity.

INGO should invest and capacitate their counterpart for the longer term sustainability and exit strategy, Imagine if #MSF could have had a strong National NGO that would fit its shoes and operations are handed over to the National NGO to run the health facilities.

Conclusion.

I am a firm believer in #AidLocation and the suspension of Health service delivery at this critical time is very harmful to the already population under war scrutiny. It could be ideal to relook into the #MSF withdrawal move and reconsider for the sake of the people in need. Capable of recommendations to explore could be:-

• Engage with the local community at #LasAnood (Paramount chief, Elders, Religious Figures, The youth and women groups) to explore options to further operationalize the Health facilities.
• Tap into the local talent: There are learned youth who are qualified medical teams that can fit/support the running of the Health facilities with some backup technical training, guidance, and incentives.
• Look National NGO with the right capacity to fill in the gap, NNGO understands the context better and is more resilient to adapt to the context.

Ultimately, Its about live-saving and closing down Health facilities further diminishes the hope of the local people at #LasAnod. Somalia’s government needs to step in and take a leadership role in the support for #LasAnood people. We are all responsible and ought to support our fellow Somali people.