The Somali Center for Rule of Law and Good Governance (SomLaw) and JustPeace are collaboratively implementing a program designed to support the state-building process in Somalia. To ensure their efforts genuinely benefit the Somali population, the partners employ a people-centred approach that influences every aspect of the program — from the initial planning stages through project implementation and evaluation. In addition, the program is grounded in critical analyses of relevant projects from recent decades and incorporates insights from the latest research. Like all initiatives by JustPeace, it also aims to contribute to a paradigm shift toward more equitable North-South relations.

Besides SomLaw and JustPeace, a third partner, the Nairobi-based charity Open Horizons, provides financial and administrative support for the program. A Steering Committee, comprising representatives from all three partner organisations, oversees the development and direction of the program, ensuring strong relationships with Somali state institutions, civil society actors, and donors.

The program is designed as a multi-year initiative, commencing in September 2024 with the GFO-funded project detailed below.