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Hiiraan Online Today from Hiiraan Online: Somali Music advertisements Hirshabelle State faces criticism over district selection in Somalia’s RCRF development project FacebookFacebook messengerTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInTelegramEmail Tuesday October 21, 2025 Mogadishu (HOL) – The ongoing implementation of the Somalia Recurrent Cost & Reform Financing (RCRF) Phase III project has drawn criticism in Hirshabelle State, following concerns that the selection of districts under the initiative lacked regional balance and inclusivity. The RCRF Phase III, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Finance, supports subnational governance and fiscal reforms by channeling funds to district administrations through two stages — the First Cohort and Second Cohort districts. The project, funded by international partners, aims to strengthen local government service delivery, enhance fiscal discipline, and promote equitable development across federal member states. While Southwest, Jubaland, and Galmudug who are implementing the project have demonstrated regional and clan diversity in selecting their cohort districts, Hirshabelle’s choices have sparked debate. The state chose Bal’ad as its second cohort district, following Warsheikh in the first cohort. Both districts are located in Middle Shabelle region and represent the same clan grouping, raising questions about fairness and inclusivity. Analysts and regional observers argue that the decision undermines the project’s principles of equitable representation. They point out that Beledweyne, a major district in Hiiraan region, would have been a more balanced choice ensuring representation from both of Hirshabelle’s regions and fostering greater inclusivity. “Other states like Southwest, Jubaland, and Galmudug ensured diversity either by changing the region or selecting districts from different communities. Hirshabelle’s case stands out as an exception,” one observer familiar with the project’s selection process said. A review of cohort selections shows: Southwest State: Wajid (1st Cohort) and Barawe (2nd Cohort) — representing different regions and clans. Jubaland State: Dhobley (1st) and Dolow (2nd) — different regions and clans. Galmudug State: Abduwak (1st) and Adado (2nd) — same region but different clans. Hirshabelle State: Warsheikh (1st) and Bal’ad (2nd) — same region and same clan. Stakeholders have urged the Ministry of Interior of Hirshabelle and the RCRF coordination unit to review the selection to ensure consistency with national standards of fairness and inclusivity. The RCRF Phase III, identified as Project ID: P173731, is now in its final implementation year (2025). The project’s closing date was recently extended to December 31, 2025, to enable the completion of ongoing reforms. These include advancing public financial management, strengthening intergovernmental fiscal transfers, and supporting health and education service Opinion| Privacy Policy|Sports|Somali Music|Somali Map All Rights Reserved Copyright. © 1999-2025, www.hiiraan.com
