Galkayo is Mudug region’s capital, strategically located in
central Somalia. Characterized by a semi-arid landscape, the region offers
suitable climatic and geographical conditions for livestock and is populated
largely by pastoralists. Goats, camels and sheep graze on dry, brown grass as
herders sip tea and take shade from the piping hot sticky heat.
The city’s location gives the
town importance on numerous socio-economic matters in Somalia. A lively trading
city, Galkayo on the main trade routes between southern and northern Somalia as
well as to the Somali region of Ethiopia. Moreover, Galkayo is a hub of calligraphic art, serving
as a training ground for local visual
artists.
On 11th November 2014, an
inauguration ceremony was held to mark the completion of the solar street
lighting installation by the NIS Foundation, in partnership with the Stability
Fund. This celebrated the illumination of 50 solar street lights installed at
key locations near or around the infamous ‘green line’.
This mythical line that divides the city
was a product of a peace deal signed in the mid-90s after fierce fighting
between the two main inhabiting groups; Puntland now governs North Galkayo whereas South
Galkayo is under the Galmudug administration.
The handover ceremony was organized with
the intention of bringing the divided communities together, marking the
completion of a mutually beneficial project. In attendance were the Mayors of
North and South Galkayo, members of the city council, elders and business communities,
women’s groups and peace advocates, all from both sides of the city.
Speeches from both Mayors reinforced the
need and appetite for dialogue between the two communities in order to bring
peace and development to the region. The Mayors reiterated the need for officials from
both sides of the city to plan and act together to help unite feuding factions under the slogan ‘Think Galkayo, Act Galkayo’.
Women leaders from Galmudug and Puntland
also spoke at the ceremony. Regular dialogue between women from both
communities has fostered a positive relationship and a strong support framework
for local development. Men were reminded of the legacy of Somali Youth League
heroes and other key Somalia figures from Galkayo who played a key role
in Somalia’s independence and self-governance.
“We don’t want to be widowers, lose
our boys, raise orphans or spend a lifetime tending to fatally wounded young
men. We want a better life so let’s not repeat the old mistakes and let us take
advantage of this kind of opportunity. We want men to think about this’’, said Dhudhi Yusuf, a
women’s leader.
Speakers reiterated the benefits of a
joint implementation approach, which steered the authorities towards dialogue
and coordination. In contrast with other dialogues convened as a result of
killings or camel raids, this is the beginning of a community dialogue between
north and south based on positive and mutually beneficial development.
The installation of solar
street lighting in Galkayo marks just the beginning of Stability Fund support
for economic growth and conflict resolution in the region. The Fund is now considering further
initiatives to address priorities identified by the Mayors and city councils
from both sides of the divide.
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