Strengthening Somali Governance FY 2018 Q1 PROGRESS REPORT

(01 OCTOBER – 31 DECEMBER 2017)

Award No: AID-623-C-14-00007

Prepared for Victoria Ayer United States Agency for International Development/Somalia C/O American Embassy United Nations Avenue, Gigiri P.O. Box 629, Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya

Prepared by Chemonics International Inc. 1717 H Street NW Washington, DC 20006

The authors’ views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

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Table of Contents

Contents ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...... 3

I. CONTEXT UPDATE (BY REGION) ...... 4

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 5

III. KEY NARRATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS ...... 8

IV. PROGRESS AGAINST TARGETS ...... 14

V. PERFORMANCE MONITORING ...... 25

VI. LESSONS LEARNED ...... 25

VII. PROGRESS ON LINKS TO OTHER ACTIVITIES ...... 25

VIII. PROGRESS ON LINKS TO HOST GOVERNMENT ...... 25

IX. INCLUSIVITY AND ACCESS ...... 26

X. SUSTAINABILITY ...... 26

XI. UPCOMING REPORTING PERIOD’S WORK PLAN ...... 26

XII. ACTIVITY ADMINISTRATION ...... 26

XIII. SUB-GRANTS ...... 28

ANNEXES & ATTACHMENTS ...... 33 ANNEX II: SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS ...... 34 ANNEX III: LIST OF DELIVERABLE PRODUCTS ...... 35 ANNEX IV: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ...... 36 ANNEX V: WORK PLAN UPDATE ...... 37

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Acronyms and Abbreviations BFC Budget and Finance Committee CSO Civil Society Organization FGS Federal Government of Somalia FMS Federal Member States FPS Federal Parliament of Somalia FY Fiscal Year GJD Governing Justly and Democratically HoP House of the People IEE Initial Environmental Examination M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MoF Ministry of Finance MP Member of Parliament NDP National Development Plan OoP Office of the President OoPM Office of the Prime Minister PFM Public Financial Management SNTV Somali National Television

SOLJA Somaliland Journalist Association SSG Strengthening Somali Governance

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I. CONTEXT UPDATE (By Region)

Mogadishu

This reporting period saw heightened tension among the Somali government—there was friction between Federal Member States (FMS) and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), between the FGS and Federal Parliament, and within parliament itself, between the Upper House (UH) and the House of the People (HoP). The source of the tension includes various politicians and FMS picking opposing sides in the current division in Saudi-Qatar relations, also known as the Gulf Crisis. The diplomatic crisis began, on June 5, 2017, when Saudi Arabia and several countries abruptly cut diplomatic relations with Qatar. Additional sources of tension came from the continued debate over the Constitution and election laws, with players seeking to protect and/or assert greater power.

During October, the presidents of Somalia’s FMS met in the southern port city of Kismayo with the goal of finding a solution to the political deadlock over the Gulf Crisis. The leaders of five of Somalia’s regional administrations, namely Puntland, Galmudug, HirShabelle, Southwest and Jubbaland, attended the meeting.

The regional presidents issued a 16-point communiqué that highlighted inter-state/federal cooperation on security, politics, federalism, constitutional review, and reconciliation. Also, the Somali regional leaders formed a Cooperation Council for Federal Member States (FMS) and elected Puntland President, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali “Gaas”, as the first chairman of the council. The HirShabelle leader, Mohamed Abdi Waare, was elected deputy.

In November, FGS President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed called on FMS Presidents to attend a national leader’s meeting in Mogadishu from October 28 to November 5, 2017 to discuss strengthening the cooperation between the state and Federal Government.

Parallelly, in November, there was increased debate in the Federal Parliament over the roles and responsibilities of the two chambers, particularly concerning budget approval. The Upper House leadership wrote a letter to the President, Prime Minister, and the Speaker of the HoP, demanding that the budget be referred to the Upper House before transmittal to the President.

In December, there was increased debate over the roles and responsibilities of both chambers of Parliament, particularly concerning budget approval. On December 13, the HoP approved the FY2018 budget and bypassed the Upper House, sending the budget directly to the President for signature. The Upper House protested the decision as a violation of the Constitution and sent an official letter of protest to the President. After receiving assurances from the President that the next budget will be available for Upper House review, the Upper House met and approved the budget. More specifically, on December 31, 2017 the Upper House voted 26-0, with three abstentions, to accept the Somali President’s request to sign the budget. This action resolved the potential constitutional challenge to the legality of the FY2018 budget.

Security

During the quarter, Mogadishu continued to experience localized targeted assassinations and small- scale explosions. Additionally, in October, the city experienced two large scale attacks, one of which is the deadliest in Somalia‘s history, surpassing the 2011 Mogadishu bombing that killed 100 people. may have forced important shifts in Somalia’s strategy against terrorist forces. On October 14, 2017, a massive truck bomb killed at least 358 people and injured an estimated 400 persons. Although no organization claimed responsibility, government officials stated that a key member of the cell which carried out the attack stated that Al Shabaab was responsible. In response to the bombings, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed declared three days of national mourning.

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A second set of explosions occurred on October 28, 2017, in Mogadishu where, at least 23 people were killed and more than 30 injured. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The response to these attacks was a major push against Al Shabaab by the Somali government, there was visibly heightened security throughout the city.

In November, rumors floated around the city that Al Shabaab would take the fight into Mogadishu with a new offensive. The intelligence gathering around these rumors was sufficient enough to have the US State Department evacuate non-essential personnel and recommend all Americans evacuate. After assessing the situation with the security subcontractor and DC-based security team, SSG made the decision not to evacuate but worked more cautiously and briefed local staff and Fellows on measures additional security measures.

By the end of the month, the evacuation was reversed, and USG program movement returned to normal, as the city saw no abnormal security incidents. In December, normal security conditions returned, characterized by small bombings and local targeted assassinations of religious, political and business leaders.

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The goal of the SSG project is to support the development of more effective and accountable Somali government institutions in their efforts to meet the New Deal Framework and their commitments to develop sound public institutions. The activities aim to improve the reach of government; systematize opportunities for representation and inclusion of citizen interests in the political process; increase the legitimacy of government institutions and representative bodies; and support women’s empowerment and leadership.

Initially a three-year project working under three objectives, during the third quarter of Year 3, USAID issued a request for proposal and subsequent contract modification that extended project activities under Objective 1 for an additional year. On July 31, 2017, the SSG concluded its work with civil society and ministries and began to solely focus its support to the Federal Parliament of Somalia (FPS) and Somaliland’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). This reporting period marks the first quarter of the one-year extension,

By December 31, 2017, SSG had engaged Parliament on several workplan activities, including; conducting orientation sessions for the leadership of two committees and newly hired Upper House Directors, delivering of technical training on bill summary and background research documents to Parliamentary staff, providing technical assistance to MPs, staff and civil society in support of two public hearings, began implementation of the Fellows Program, and developing and deploying a website, a bill tracker, and an MP directory.

A. Key Narrative Achievements

IMPROVING LEGISLATIVE AND REPRESENTATIONAL FUNCTIONS

During this reporting period, SSG provided extensive support to the FY2018 Budget Bill. The project worked with committee staff to prepare a full budget analysis, then the committee proposed amendments to the analysis and prepared a thorough committee stage report for the plenary. As it was the second budget approval in 6 months, the FY2017 budget was approved during the final quarter of FY2017, the committee has come to understand the value of both legislative processes and civil society engagement.

On December 2, 2017, SSG supported the HoP Budget and Finance Committee’s public hearing on the FY2018 budget, which was held at the Jazeera Hotel. This was the committee’s second budget

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public hearing, the first being held on the long-delayed FY17 budget. Because the hearing was not a novel experience, MPs and staff were able to organize and provide budget analysis more rapidly, and several in the civil society community better understood effective advocacy communication through written testimony.

Notable achievements in this hearing include government officials testifying and being publicly questioned for the first time. Also, the list of invited attendees was expanded to include a panel of private sector representatives who spoke on tax issues. The hearing was attended by 105 people (80 male, 25 female), including government officials and civil society groups.

With SSG support, On October 24, 2017, the HoP Social Service Development Committee held its first-ever public hearing, examining the establishment of a National Health Professional Council. The hearing was the result of ongoing SSG support including hearing planning, staff support for bill summaries and background research, logistical support, and pre-hearing civil society preparation. The hearing was attended by 62 people (45 male, 17 female), including committee members, parliament staff, government line ministries (health, education and justice), health professionals, lawyers, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Additionally, the project initiated the Fellows Program, completing recruitment and orientation of 10 young professionals to support parliament committees. The Fellows Program was created to provide opportunities for young Somali professionals to learn about their government, and to gain firsthand experience in the public policy development process, while providing practical support to Parliament Committees.

IMPROVING OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS

This quarter, SSG worked with nascent Upper House committees to increase understanding of the oversight role of parliamentarians, the legal framework embodied in the Constitution and Rules of Procedure, sources of introductory information such as the Budget and National Development Plan and advise on effective oversight questions for government officials. The project also supported the UH Natural Resources, Economic Infrastructure and Transport Committee with their systematic review of the ministry operations within its jurisdiction. An SSG Fellow supported the committee with reporting, using a standard reporting format. The information gathered was important for the committee in developing its work plan.

The project also supported the oversight functions of the UH Social Committee in preparing a series of questions for the Information Minister. After an official invitation, on November 14, 2017 the Minister of Information met formally with MPs to meet their concerns. The committee discussions can be view on YouTube. Additionally, SSG provided a range of support to the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) staff and MPs in preparation of the federal Close of Accounts process. Staff were trained to do year-over-year and trend analysis of audit report patterns, by overall spending and revenue, as well as by sector-ministry. The session was held on November 5, 2017, and the result of the discussion formed the basis of the committee’s plenary report.

B. Quantitative Highlights a) Legislative Training

Bill Summary Workshop - On October 4, 2017 SSG staff worked with Social Development Committee staff to prepare a summary of the Health Bill. Five staff members (4 male, 1 female) attended the session. Participants divided into two groups to summarize sections of the bill, using the SSG provided template and with program technical assistance.

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Bill Summary Briefing / Technical Assistance - On October 18, 2017 SSG held a bill summary workshop for HoP Information and Communications Committee staff (2 male). The five-hour engagement included a review of the legislation and hands-on technical assistance on the Media Law.

Background Research Workshop - On October 19, 2017 SSG held a background issue paper workshop for the Social Development committee staff in support of the Health Profession Regulation Bill. Both the issue backgrounder and bill summary were provided to MPs prior to the hearing, both to inform the MPs and serve as a catalyst for questions.

Bill Summary Workshop - On October 26, 2017, SSG held a three-hour bill summary writing workshop at the HoP Training Room for 17 committee staffers taking part (12 male, 5 female). The purpose was to discuss bill summaries and their usefulness in the bill review process. Committee groups worked together on their own legislation, reviewing the bill and beginning their summary. b) Budget Issues

Closing Accounts - On October 9-10, 2017, SSG held a two-day close of accounts workshop for HoP BFC staff. Seven staff attended (5 male, 2 female). Topics covered included:  Purpose and objectives of the close of accounts report  Roles and powers of the budget and finance committee  How to review and analyze a close of accounts report, comparing the percent budgeted to actual spending, budget transfers between line items, trend analysis, and sector reviews

FY18 Budget Analysis - On November 27, 2017, SSG delivered technical support on the 2018 budget analysis report to the BFC staff at the SSG offices. Five people (two budget committee staff and three of the SSG fellows) analyzed the budget with the guidance and technical support of SSG. The committee staff and SSG fellows reviewed revenue projections against historical data, as well as spending trends by sectors including; social services, security, economic and general management. The committee staff produced a ten-page report for 2018 budget analysis, that will help the committee review and amend the budget, as well as report to the plenary. c) Parliament Orientation

Orientation on Public Hearings for HoP Social Committee - On October 10, 2017, SSG held a three-hour session with committee leaders and staff (4 male, 4 female) to orient the committee on MP roles and responsibilities, authority in Rules of Procedure, and the legislative process, with a focus on the Parliament Hearing Process, and in advance of the committee’s Health Professional Regulation Bill public hearing

Orientation for Upper House Directors – On October 25, 2017, SSG held a three-hour workshop for newly hired directors (5 male, 1 female), providing a basic review of the role of parliament, the constitution, rules of procedure, committees, and the legislative process.

Orientation for UH Social Committee Chairs - On December 6, 2017, SSG provided a one- day orientation session on committee operations for the chair and deputy chair of the Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Media, and Culture Committee (1 male, 1 female). The purpose of the orientation was to improve the MPs’ understanding of committee operations. Topics covered included: (1) an introduction to parliamentary committees, including their functions and types; (2) committee mechanics, including legislative functions, committee meetings, agendas, quorum requirements, voting, meeting minutes and reports, private and public meetings; and (3) committee coordination with the government, committee records, and public hearings. d) Parliament Hearings

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Heath Bill Public Hearing - On October 24, 2017, the committee held a public hearing on the National Health Professional Council. The hearing was attended by 62 people (45 male, 17 female) including committee members, parliament staff, government line ministries (health, education and justice), health professional, lawyers, and CSOs.

FY2018 Federal Budget Public Hearing - On December 2, 2017, SSG supported the HoP BFC’s public hearing on the FY2018 budget, held at the Jazeera Hotel. The hearing was attended by 105 people (80 male, 25 female), including government officials and civil society groups.

During the hearing, six government officials testified (6 male), 13 MPs attended (10 male, 3 female) and 35 civil society representatives spoke (25 male, 10 female), offering budget related information and answering committee questions. e) Civil Society Support

Health Bill Pre-Hearing Civil Society Support - On October 19, 2017, SSG organized a Civil Society Pre-Hearing Briefing on the Health Bill, in partnership with committee staff. Attendees were;  Provided with a summary briefing of the bill  Briefed on the public hearing process, and  Given clarification on the role of speakers in hearings and stressed the importance of fact- based testimony.

25 persons attended (20 male, 5 female), comprised of health sector professionals, related civil society groups and House of the People staff.

FY18 Budget Pre-Hearing Civil Society Support - On November 28, 2017, SSG organized a one-day pre-hearing briefing meeting with the civil society and economic sector representatives planning to participate in the budget hearing. The gathering had two goals. First, participants were briefed on the budget’s major highlights, and second, SSG provided a refresher on parliament hearings including; the purpose of public hearings, the role of speakers, and the goals of fact-based information. 14 persons attended (11 male, 3 female). Participants represented the private sector, trade unions and different social groups including; health, education, women, youth, children, and persons living with disabilities.

C. Activity Administration

During the first quarter of the extension, the project recruited and hire a deputy chief of party and onboarded a cohort of 10 fellows.

D. Subsequent Reporting Period’s Work Plan

In Q2, SSG anticipates ongoing support for committee legislative activity. Specifically, SSG plans to work with committees on several pieces of legislation, using the bills as opportunities to strengthen research, reporting and public outreach skills. Legislative action is likely on the Public Financial Management (PFM) bill, final committee action on the health bill in the HoP, work on the water and anti-corruption bills in the Upper House, as well as other legislation currently before Parliament. SSG support will focus on staff capacity building in comparative research and committee reports, as well as supporting committee public hearings and civil society outreach. SSG anticipates ongoing

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oversight efforts, particularly in the Upper House. SSG will be working with the committee to refine oversight strategy/planning, leading to tangible outcomes.

SSG is very actively encouraging committees to move forward on gender initiatives and plans to see significant progress toward AMEP targets.

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III. KEY NARRATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

IMPROVING LEGISLATIVE AND REPRESENTATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Under the legislative functions sub-objective, SSG seeks to improve the formal legislative reporting processes of committees, namely in research and analysis, legislative drafting and amendments, and final committee reports to the plenary. While under the representation functions sub-objective, SSG seeks to link policy development with civil society engagement, by encouraging and supporting public hearings and other consultative forums. During the reporting period, under these two activities were complimentary and at many times dependent on each other, therefore are being reported together.

SSG Support for FY18 Budget. This quarter, SSG provided substantial support to the FY2018 Budget Bill, leading the public hearing on the budget on December 2, 2017 and eventual passage of the budget on December 31, 2017.

Budget Hearing. On December 2, 2017, SSG supported the HoP Budget and Finance Committee’s public hearing on the FY2018 budget, held at the Jazeera Hotel. In line with SSG aim of improving full government participation, greater committee participation, and broader civil society engagement. The hearing was attended by 105 people (80 male, 25 female), including government officials and civil society groups. During the hearing, six government officials testified (6 male), including the Minister of Finance, the Head of Revenue, and the Auditor General. 13 MPs attended (10 male, 3 female) and 35 civil society representatives spoke (25 male, 10 female), offering budget related information and answering committee questions.

Testimony from government officials was led by the Minister of Finance, Abdirahman Dualle Beileh. Other government officials who were present to answer committee questions included the State Minister of Finance, the Director of Revenue, the Director of National Budget, and representatives from the ministries of health and education. To ease government concerns and to improve the information exchange during the hearing, SSG encouraged the Budget Committee to consider providing their questions to the Minister of Finance in advance of the hearing. The committee prepared a list of 39 questions for the government, 14 related to revenues and 25 related to expenditures. The questions served as the framework for hearing discussions.

Panels of speakers from civil society centered on the topics of business, education, health, disability issues, human rights, and youth, and how they related to the budget. Government experts from academia also spoke. On November 28, 2017, SSG organized a one-day pre-hearing briefing meeting with the civil society and economic sector representatives planning to participate in the budget hearing. The gathering had two goals. First, participants were briefed on the budget’s major highlights, and second, SSG provided a refresher on parliament hearings including; the purpose of public hearings, the role of speakers, and the goals of fact-based information. 14 persons attended (11 male and 3 female). Participants represented the private sector, trade unions and different social groups including; health, education, women, youth, children, and persons living with disabilities.

Budget Analysis. On November 27, 2017, SSG delivered technical support to the budget and finance staff in drafting the 2018 budget analysis report. Five people, two budget committee staff and three of the SSG fellows, analyzed the budget with the guidance and technical support of SSG Budget and Finance Specialist. The committee staff and SSG fellows reviewed revenue projections against historical data, as well as spending trends by sectors such as; social services, security, economic and general management. The committee staff produced a ten-page report for 2018 budget analysis that helped the committee to review and amend the budget and assisted in their reporting to the plenary. SSG staff supported MPs and committee staff in preparing the committee

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stage report and amendment recommendations. On December 11, 2017, the HoP Budget and Finance Committee presented the FY2018 budget report to the HoP for second reading.

On December 13, 2017, the HoP Budget and Finance Committee presented the final FY2018 budget report to the plenary for its third reading and final consideration from the HoP MPs proceeded. After a long discussion, Parliament approved the budget. 162 MPs voted in favor, while 1 MP voted against, and 1 MP abstained. On December 31, 2017 the Upper House voted 26-0, with three abstentions, to accept the Somali President’s request to sign the budget.

SSG Support on Health Professional Regulation Bill. On October 24, 2017, SSG supported the HoP Social Service Development Committee in holding its first-ever public hearing, examining the National Health Professional Bill, which in part aims to establish a National Health Professional Council. The hearing was attended by 62 people (45 male, 17 female) including committee members, parliament staff, government line ministries (health, education and justice), health professionals, lawyers, and CSOs. The event was covered by the Somali National Television (SNTV) and four local radio stations covered the hearing. The SNTV coverage can be viewed on YouTube.

The hearing was the culmination of several support activities intended to build understanding of the value of public hearings, hearing planning, bill analysis, and effective civil society engagement.

Bill analysis. On October 4, 2017, SSG staff worked with Social Development Committee staff to prepare a bill summary of the Health Bill. Five staff members (4 male, 1 female) attended the session. Participants divided into two groups to summarize sections of the bill, using the SSG provided template and with program technical assistance. On October 19, SSG held a background issue paper workshop for committee staff. Both the issue backgrounder and bill summary will be provided to MPs prior to the hearing, both to inform the MPs and serve as a catalyst for questions.

Public Hearing. On October 10, 2017, SSG held a planning and orientation session on the upcoming parliament hearing for 8 MPs (4 male, 4 female). The purpose of the briefing was to build MPs capacity on the concept of public hearings and how they can be helpful for legislators seeking information on an issue. Topics discussed included: Introduction to public hearings, legal framework for public hearings, and gearing planning and operations.

On October 19, 2017, SSG organized a Civil Society Pre-Hearing Briefing on the Health Bill, in partnership with committee staff. Attendees were provided with a summary briefing of the bill, briefed on the public hearing process, and given clarification on the role of speakers in hearings and stressed the importance of fact-based testimony. 25 persons attended (20 male, 5 female), comprised of health sector professionals, related civil society groups and House of the People staff.

It is important to note that, the Water and Anti-corruption bills passed the HoP, without public consultation, despite frequent overtures for public consultation. Moving forward, the Upper House committees have expressed commitment to work with SSG on process and passage of these bills.

SSG Fellows Program Supports Upper House Committees. During Quarter 1, SSG onboarded 10 young professionals to serve as fellows supporting parliament committees in both chambers of the FPS. The SSG Fellows Program was envisioned to provide opportunities for young Somali professionals to learn about their government, and to gain firsthand experience in the public policy development process, while providing practical support to Parliament Committees. The group was evenly divided between men and women and included one person living with disabilities. The Fellows received orientation from SSG and were deployed to the Upper House (UH) for logistical reasons. Over the past quarter, Fellows have helped by preparing background research and bill summaries on several topics, assisting with Plenary Sessions, and supporting the UH Operations Director with human resource policies and forms.

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To prepare the Fellows to support Parliament, on October 22-23, 2017, SSG delivered a two-day workshop for SSG parliament fellows. The training goal was to provide basic induction training on parliamentary functions. 10 persons (5 male, 5 female) attended the workshop. Training topics included: Parliamentary Powers and their Tools, Rules of Procedure, Committee Operations, Legislative Development Process, Parliamentary oversight, Public Hearings, Research and Analysis, Budget Process, Bill Summary writing briefing.

During the quarter, the Fellows shifted from an all-Parliament to an Upper House staff resource, to fill ongoing UH staffing gaps. Working in collaboration with Upper House leadership, the Fellows received formal committee assignments. They also supported the Upper House staff in managing plenary sessions, and one Fellow, with business administration experience, is assisting the Finance office. Some of the specific work the Fellows have been engaged in include bill summaries and background research on:  FY18 Budget Analysis  Compilation of Somalia participation  Health Professional Regulation Bill in international treaties  Water Bill  PFM Bill  Anti-Corruption Bill  Assisting UH Finance and Human  Media Bill Resource departments in developing  Education Bill various procedures and forms

Going forward, it is expected that the Fellows will play a more substantive support role as the FY2018 budget did not allocate funds for Upper House committee staff.

Research Office Update. During this reporting period, SSG received approval from several research information vendors. As access was specific to the UH IP address, and there were delays in fully connecting the SSG donated computers to an Ethernet link, activating electronic access to academic information was delayed. As a temporary solution, SSG shared an in-house library of nearly 600 relevant reports, studies, and texts. It is anticipated that the electronic library connections would be complete in Q2, followed by training of UH staff and Fellows.

IMPROVING OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS

Under the oversight sub-objective, SSG seeks to build Parliament’s oversight capacity, by increasing understanding of the legal framework for Parliament oversight in Somalia, the purposes and methods, and the range of oversight outcomes. During this reporting, work under this sub-objective included the following.

SSG support for FY15 and FY16 Close of Accounts. This quarter, SSG provided technical and logistical support for a public meeting on Close of Accounts. Unfortunately, the event was eventually cancelled due to lack of government support.

In preparation for the Close of Accounts, On October 9-10, 2017, SSG held a two-day close of accounts workshop for seven (5 male, 2 female) HoP Budget and Finance Committee staff to build their technical capacity. Topics covered included: purpose and objectives of the close of accounts report, roles and powers of the budget and finance committee, and methods to review and analyze a close of accounts report.

Furthermore, Budget and Finance Committee staff reviewed and provided an analysis report for FY14 through FY16 reports. The report looked at deviations of budget v. actual and shifts between ministry accounts. They also prepared a sectoral review. The work formed the foundation for committee discussions. As a result of committee discussions and debate, the group developed a series of questions clarifying questions which were delivered to the Ministry of Finance. On November 5, 2017 in response to the written questions, the Minister met with the Committee in executive session.

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Although the close of accounts event was cancelled, the support provided by had several positive impacts:  MPs had a fuller understanding of their budget oversight role and began to assert their oversight authority. They also engaged in multi-day meetings to analyze, discuss and debate the Closing of Accounts Report.  Staff made progress in their ability to analyze the end of year financial report, provide year over year comparison, and identify discrepancies between the parliament approved budget and final spending figures.  MPs introduced the use of written questions as an oversight tool, which government responded to the information requests.

Update on Somaliland Public Accounts Committee (PAC). On October 11, 2017, USAID and SSG met with the Chair of the Somaliland PAC in Hargeisa to discuss possible support for the Close of Accounts process. The Chair appreciated the offer and committed to sending a workplan for possible partnership. Delayed by Somaliland elections, the Chair sent a proposal on December 14, 2017, just as project staff were preparing for holidays. SSG will begin coordination with PAC in Quarter 2.

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V. PERFORMANCE MONITORING

During the reporting period, IBCTI/SPSS undertook normal quarterly activity follow-up, with no major incidents. IBCTI/SPSS also performed their annual DQA exercise. SSG used this opportunity to have SPSS representatives work with SSG’s new - and relatively inexperienced – monitoring and evaluation manager (M&E), reviewing and organizing activity files for the extension year of the project.

Both in review of the final report, and through the DQA process, SSG discovered minor record keeping and communication deficiencies in its civil society work, namely ACAT benchmarking and Significant Change story methodology recording gaps.

With the new M&E manager, and with a smaller program footprint, SSG’s chief of party has taken a much more direct role in M&E oversight. All record keeping, and reporting documents are reviewed regularly as part of an ongoing documentation check process. Additionally, the project has developed a master tracker for progress against indicators.

VI. LESSONS LEARNED

SSG success with the HoP Budget and Finance Committee, through their repeated work on budget formulation and oversight, has led to a budget culture in Parliament that is quite different than in years past as public hearings on the national budget are becoming the norm, an idea that was considered too risky previously.

This success is derived from three factors; committee demand, staff capacity, and legislative application.

In the case of the budget committee, leadership have enthusiastically embraced an active role in the budget formulation and oversight process. Staff have worked with SSG to develop a strong financial analysis toolbox. However, in some ways, most critical are a set of budget committee activities, spread throughout the year, that lend themselves to trying out new practices and engaging in iterative learning.

Conversely, SSG has engaged with committees who wish to play a more active legislative role (demand), and whose staff have received SSG training (capacity), yet the committee has little or no legislation referred to it, and the nascent legislative culture is still focused on reacting to the government proposed legislation rather than drafting legislation itself. In that case, issue research, legislative drafting amendments, public hearings, all remain more hypothetical, or ad hoc, rather than a repeated practice.

The lesson learned is to look for opportunities where committees, or legislative entities (like a centralized legal, research, or budget offices), have the chance to repeat a proposed practice. These opportunities offer the best chance for a first-time activity to repeat into a pattern of practice, and ultimately, become part of the legislative culture.

VII. PROGRESS ON LINKS TO OTHER ACTIVITIES

During the reporting period, SSG maintained contacts with UNDP and Max Planck parliament programs, as well as USAID BUILD. Additionally, SSG briefed DFID and EU program experts on parliament work.

VIII. PROGRESS ON LINKS TO HOST GOVERNMENT

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SSG maintains close and regular contact with the HoP Secretary General and the HoP Speaker’s Chief of Staff, as well as the Secretary General and First Deputy Speaker of the Upper House. In addition, the project holds weekly meetings to discuss and implement parliament goals with Chairpersons and members of both chambers of the Somali Federal Parliament.

IX. INCLUSIVITY AND ACCESS

During the budget review process and public hearing, SSG encouraged and supported speakers to testify on gender issues, particularly in relationship to education and health. The speakers, all of whom are recognized women leaders, were effective advocates for expanded and improved service delivery.

X. SUSTAINABILITY

SSG maintains an ongoing commitment to building skills and initiating practices that are sustainable after project completion. Examples are building parliament staff analysis skills rather than hiring outside experts, registering Parliament for access to free information libraries. Going forward, SSG will be encouraging the Upper House to hold public hearings within its own plenary chamber, rather than reserving hotel space. These are a few of the many examples of SSG’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices.

XI. UPCOMING REPORTING PERIOD’S WORK PLAN

No deviation from approved workplan.

XII. ACTIVITY ADMINISTRATION

A. Constraints and Critical Issues

SSG’s efforts have successfully built a beachhead of parliament process, centered on the HoP Budget and Finance Committee. The challenge is now how to expand to other committees, to develop a critical mass for change that will, in turn, modify behavior and parliament culture.

Promoting change and modifying parliament committee behavior relies on several factors, including MP demand, or at least willingness to try new approaches; capacity of committees; and whether there are tasks that can be sufficiently repeated to shift behavior and lock in new practices.

SSG has varying influence over these factors. SSG can influence staff capacity, as there has been relatively strong demand for legislative training. SSG has little influence on the volume of committee work, as the tradition is to wait for government submittal, and it is rare for most committees to have more than one bill per year. However, this challenge can be overcome if there is committee demand for legislative activism, particularly among chairpersons. Committees can draft their own bills, engage in subject matter hearings, or involve themselves in oversight.

While innate demand for active legislative behavior is ideal, institutional expectations are often a good substitute. Rules of procedure requiring behavior, or even direction and praise from a Speaker, can change the legislative dynamic.

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Expanding the legislative beachhead to other committees is the challenge for SSG in 2018. While direction from the Speaker, at least in the HoP, is not forthcoming, the Secretary General has committee to provide internal encouragement. In the UH, it is hoped that leadership will actively encourage legislative activity.

B. Personnel

This quarter, SSG determined that it was necessary to create a deputy chief of party position to provide oversight of the project’s technical direction and implementation. After conducting a competitive recruitment process for the position of deputy chief of party, SSG’s Parliamentary Specialist was selected as the successful candidate. The new position began on December 13, 2017. Additionally, there were personnel changes on the operations team during this quarter, as the project replaced its accountant.

C. Changes in the Project

No changes in the project during this reporting period.

D. Contract, Award or Cooperative Agreement Modifications and Amendments

No contract modifications in this reporting period.

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XIII. SUB-GRANTS

A. New Sub-Grant Award Details

Total amount in the approved budget for sub-grants: Total amount sub-awarded to date:

No new sub-grants during this reporting period.

B. Summary of all Sub-Grants to date

Grant Sub-Awardee Name Start Date End Date Amount for Date Last Location of No. for This for This This Sub- Audit Implementation Sub- Sub- Awardee Conducted (Region, Town, & Awardee Awardee District as applicable)

SSG-001 Somaliland Youth Society 12/27/2015 3/26/2016 N/A Togdheer region, (SYS) Somaliland SSG-002 Solidarity Youth 12/28/2015 3/27/2016 N/A Togdheer region, Voluntary Organization Somaliland (SOYVO)

SSG-003 Ministry of Finance (MoF) 4/4/2016 10/3/2016 NA Mogadishu, Somalia

SSG-004 Women Rehabilitation & 2/25/2016 6/24/2016 NA Maroodijeex region, Development Association Somaliland (WORDA)

SSG-005 Somaliland National 2/25/2016 6/24/2016 NA Maroodijeex region, Disability Forum (SNDF) Somaliland

SSG-006 Disability Action 1/11/2016 9/10/2016 NA Regions of Togdheer, Network (DAN) Sanaag, Awdal, Saaxil, and Sool, Somaliland SSG-007 Academy for 1/15/2016 9/14/2016 NA Regions of Development and Maroodijeex, Advocacy of Minorities Togdheer, Sanaag, (ADAM) Awdal, Saaxil, and Sool, Somaliland SSG-008 Somaliland Association 2/1/2016 5/31/2016 NA Awdal region, for Youth Salvation Somaliland (SAYS)

SSG-009 Somaliland Women’s 2/15/2016 6/14/2016 NA Saaxil region, Research and Action Somaliland Group (SOWRAG)

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SSG-025 Alliance Consulting 3/7/2016 9/15/2016 NA Regions of Banadir Group (ACG) and Middle Shabelle, South-Central Somalia SSG-026 Radio Dalsan 3/22/2016 9/15/2016 NA Regions of Galguduud, South- West, Banadir, and Middle Shabelle, South-Central Somalia SSG-027 Kasmo Radio 3/22/2016 9/15/2016 NA Regions of Banadir, Lower Shabelle, and Middle Shabelle, South-Central Somalia SSG-028 Somali Youth NA NA N/A NA Jubaland, Somaliland Development Foundation (SYDF) SSG-029 Action for Community 3/28/2016 7/29/2016 NA Puntland Empowerment and Enterprise Development (ACEED)

SSG-030 Aragti Relief and 4/19/2016 8/18/2016 NA Banadir, Hiraan, and Development Middle Shabelle Organization (ARDO) Regions, Somalia

SSG-031 Center for Research and NA NA N/A NA Banadir, South-West, Dialogue (CRD) & Galmudug Regions, Somalia SSG-032 Ministry of Planning and 5/10/2016 12/09/2016 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland National Development (MoNPD)

SSG-033 Ministry of Finance (MoF) 5/03/2016 12/02/2016 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland

SSG-034 Parliamentary Committee 5/10/2016 12/09/2016 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland on Budget and Finance (PCoB&F)

SSG-035 Parliamentary Committee 4/27/2016 11/26/2016 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland on Judiciary, Constitution and Human Rights (PCoJCHR)

SSG-036 Parliamentary Committee 4/27/2016 11/26/2016 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland on Environment (PCoE)

SSG-037 Office of the Solicitor 4/26/2016 11/25/2016 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland General (OSG)

SSG-038 Secretary General’s 4/27/2016 11/26/2016 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland Office (SGO)

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SSG-039 Ministry of Planning and 5/22/2016 10/31/2016 NA Garowe, Puntland International Cooperation (MoPIC)

SSG-040 Ministry of Justice (MoJ) 5/22/2016 10/31/2016 NA Garowe, Puntland

SSG-041 Parliamentary Committee 5/22/2016 10/31/2016 NA Garowe, Puntland on Budget and Finance (PCoB&F)

SSG-042 Parliamentary Committee 5/22/2016 10/31/2016 NA Garowe, Puntland on Legal Affairs (PCoLA)

SSG-043 Office of the President 5/22/2016 10/31/2016 NA Garowe, Puntland (OoP) SSG-044 Office of the Speaker 5/10/2016 10/31/2016 NA Garowe, Puntland (OoS)

SSG-045 Somaliland Journalist 1/15/2017 5/30/2017 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland Association (SOLJA)

SSG-047 FGS MoPIC 2/15/2017 7/15/2017 NA Mogadishu, Somalia

SSG-048 FGS MoF 2/15/2017 7/15/2017 NA Mogadishu, Somalia

SSG-049 Mogadishu University 2/17/2017 7/31/2017 NA Mogadishu, Somalia

SSG-050 SIMAD University 2/17/2017 7/31/2017 NA Mogadishu, Somalia

SSG-051 Somali Women 4/1/2017 6/30/2017 NA Mogadishu, Somalia Development Centre

SSG-052 Smart International 5/15/2017 6/30/2017 NA Mogadishu, Somalia

SSG-053 Secretary General Office 4/1/2017 5/30/2017 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland of the Somaliland Government – Budget Office

SSG-054 Madash Aqoonyahanka 5/1/2017 6/30/2017 NA Mogadishu, Somalia Aragtida Nool (MAAN)

SSG-055 Public Accounts 5/5/2017 6/5/2017 NA Hargeisa, Somaliland Committee, Somaliland

SSG-056 Office of the Speaker, 7/11/2017 3/30/2018 NA Mogadishu, Somalia Upper House

SSG-057 House of the People 7/11/2017 3/30/2018 NA Mogadishu, Somalia Secretary General Office

C. GPS Information

Not applicable

D. List of Deliverables

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See Annex II.

E. Summary of Non-USG Funding or Cost-Share, if Applicable

Not Applicable

F. Type of Accounting System Used During Reporting Period

The accounting system used is Abacus, a Chemonics-specific electronic system.

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Annexes & Attachments

Annexes

I. Schedule of Future Events II. List of Deliverables III. Environmental Monitoring IV. Work Plan Update

Attachments

I. Financial Information

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Annex III: LIST OF DELIVERABLE PRODUCTS

Client Deliverables: 1. October Weekly Updates 2. October Monthly Report 3. November Weekly Updates 4. November Monthly Report 5. December Weekly Updates 6. December Monthly Report

Public Outreach Documents:

1. October 2017 Snapshot 2. November 2017 Snapshot 3. December 2017 Snapshot

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Annex IV: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Request for Categorical Exclusion for USAID/Somalia’s Peace and Security (PS) and Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD) assessment is for FY2014 through FY2019. All activities anticipated under the SSG contract are covered by the categorical exclusion issued in the IEE. The relevant text is included below:

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Annex V: WORK PLAN UPDATE

This quarter, the SSG project’s Y4 work plan was submitted for approval on October 31, 2017 and subsequently approved in on November 6, 2017. Thus far, implementation has been in accordance with the work plan and there are no deviations to note.

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