Most of this web site has not yet been updated to reflect this change. Since the overthrow of the Siad Barre regime and subsequent collapse of the state in 1991, continuous clan-based civil war has left Somalia in shambles, with massive population displacement and economic and administrative collapse in its wake. In response to the Somalia crisis international intervention, ranging from military intervention to humanitarian assistance, has provided mixed results. Presently a limited number of externally financed projects are being implemented in parts of the country, and there is also a growing movement among Somalis within and outside the country to put an end to the conflict and promote peaceful and sustainable development. The WSP Somali Programme differs from other WSP country projects in that the Somalis do not yet have an overall peace agreement with which to work.
Sporadic fighting continues in the south although the north is relatively stable.
After a long and intensive preparatory period during which support from main internal and external actors was secured, the WSP Somali Programme was initiated in the Northeast of Somalia in January 1997. Regional researchers held extensive consultations to prepare a first assessment of the key rebuilding issues faced by each region. In March 1998, the first Project Group meeting for the Northeast took place. An impasse in identifying a fourth entry point for economic rebuilding was referred to an ad hoc committee. Throughout the research phase, working groups will meet periodically to review findings and to guide research activities in specific, action-oriented directions.