NGO Consortium The humanitarian crisis in Somalia is among the most intricate and enduring emergencies. While the extensive 2017 famine has been averted, the humanitarian effect of the drought has been devastating. More than half of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. The unending conflict continues to diminish the resilience of communities, prompt displacement and hinder civilians’ access to rudimentary amenities and humanitarians’ access to those in need. Segregation and discrimination of socially marginalized groups are contributing to high echelons of severe humanitarian need and lack of protection among some of the most vulnerable
Grave protection apprehensions persist in Somalia, placing civilians’ lives at peril, forcing many to flee, exposing them to a manifold of risks while displaced, and impeding durable solutions. Compounding the conflict and its intrinsic perils to civilians, is a colossal proliferation in drought related displacement and additionally exposes civilians to grim protection risks. Women, children and marginalized communities are particularly at risk and face specific protection apprehensions. The protection crisis is also categorized by deep-seated but fluid societal divisions, resulting in rivalry for resources across societal groups.

The Consortium continues to advocate for favorable working environment for NGOs to deliver aid to those in need through its core activities of coordination, representation, advocacy and information sharing. Development of press releases/position papers further expresses NGOs voices and concerns and acts as advocacy tools to raise awareness, in particular media awareness, on the plight of Somalis with a focus on thematic issues. It is believed that these communiques influence decisions.

As the key coordination mechanism for local and international NGOs working in Somalia on a wide range of issues and sectors, the Consortium continues to reiterate the crucial role played by NGOs to address need while adapting to the changing context in Somalia, advocating for the interests of Somalis both inside and outside Somalia, looking beyond emergency response to promote aid effectiveness while supporting the development of Somali NGOs’ capacity and increasing their accountability to communities and donors. 

Currently, the consortium is the primary NGO coordination mechanism with a membership of national and international NGOs working in all parts of Somalia, where it represents its members to governments, UN agencies, donor groups and multilateral organisations at local, national, and international levels. Additionally, the Consortium continues to improve aid coordination and raise the presence and profile of NGO representation within the coordination structures in Somalia. The Consortium has grown as an effective network, actively supporting its members to promote dialogue, collaboration, learning experiences, information exchange and to advocate on issues of key concern thereby enhancing coordinated humanitarian aid assistance to populations in need. Additionally, the Enabling Program substantiates strengthening of coordination to support delivery of humanitarian aid to ensure equal access for women, girls, boys and men. Thus, effective strategic (HC, HCT) and operational level coordination structures to further enhance strong participation of NGOs in existing coordination fora.


The Somalia NGO Consortium has in the past year seen an increase of registration of local NGOs to become members of the Somalia NGO Consortium. This year we have seen an increase to 30 registrations from the previous 16 registrations of Local NGOS into the consortium. This can be attributed to the Local NGO Friendly Mandate of the Consortium that was revised and launched in December 2017 together inclusive approach.