Unintended Consequences: The Hidden Risks of Aid Dependence for Somalia's Long-Term Development
On December 9, 2023, the Somali Federal Parliament approved the appropriated Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) budget for the 2024 fiscal year in a joint session. The budget was for the first time over one billion USD – $1, 079,315,784. Over 66% percent of the appropriated budget ($694.6 million) is expected from donors while domestic revenue is $346.2 million, or 33.3 percent. [1] Somalia, a nation that has endured decades of civil war, natural disasters, and political upheaval, has relied heavily on international aid to meet its urgent humanitarian needs. The global community's response has been crucial in alleviating immediate suffering, yet the long-term effects of sustained aid dependence raise serious concerns about Somalia’s development trajectory. While aid can provide critical support during crises, over-reliance on it can lead to detrimental outcomes that hinder the country’s growth and self-sufficiency. This blog post delves into the unintended consequences of aid ...