The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

While Somalia is popularly known as the world’s preeminent example of a ‘failed state’, that characterization should not overlook efforts to reconstitute an inclusive Somali government over the last three years. A 2004 reconciliation effort culminated with the creation of a Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), a power-sharing Transitional Federal Government (TFG), and a broadly-representative Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP)—collectively known as the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs).

NDI has been active in Somalia since late 2005 with two small projects (supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NED) aimed at building the core governance capacity of the nascent TFIs. In that period, NDI has become one of the most active international non-governmental organizations providing democracy and governance assistance in Somalia, having helped Executive Office staff, the political and administrative heads of more than 30 TFG ministries, and nearly two dozen female MPs to develop basic governing skills.

Since 2007, NDI’s program has continued to grow. With the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), NDI initiated a three-year project aimed at building the capacity the TFP and its members, supporting their efforts to conduct basic legislative functions during Somalia’s transitional period, participate in Somalia’s reconciliation process, and help lead the transition towards a permanent government. Likewise, NDI has renewed its Norwegian-funded initiative to enhance the technical and administrative capacity of the TFG’s core ministerial structures, while helping to foster better communication and more constructive relationships between the government and Somalia’s civil society, media, and general public.

Curriculum Development

Targeted Training and Capacity-Building Activities

Contact Information