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Transforming Lives

USAID links legislators and constituents online

As legislation in Somaliland thrives through increased constituent and legislator dialogue, everyone can follow the progress on www.somalilandparliament.net. Since the launch of the website in early 2013, staff have seen a steadily growing stream of visitors to the site, according to the non-profit International Republican Institute, which implemented the project with assistance from USAID. The site is part of comprehensive USAID support to elections, parliament and government responsiveness across Somaliland.

Sleeves Rolled Up, Somalia’s Parliament Is in Action

Somalia's new parliament, formed in August 2012, provides for two chambers--the upper house, which is pending formation, and the lower house--or House of the People, the country's national legislative body.

Somalia TIS AYNABO Snapshot

With a large family depending on her earnings, Fatuma Suleban has struggled.  “I used to sell meat on the street – with no shade,” she says. “I would often move around all day in search customers.”

Hamsa Haji Hussain and his employees load hay for export from Berbera Port.

 

In 2009, Hamsa Haji Hussain returned from the United Kingdom to the small town of Beer in Somaliland to manage over 3,000 hectares of farmland inherited from his father. He had earned a degree in business administration in the U.K. and started an enterprise there.

“But I always knew I was going to come back home and follow in my father’s footsteps,” says Hussain. When Hussain first saw his land, he was shocked at the contrast with England’s lush countryside. “But once the rain fell, I saw the river flow and realized the potential,” he says.

Abdirisaq Noor, organic beef entrepreneur

Abdirisaq Noor saw a fundamental problem with Somaliland livestock: branding. Noor was not referring to marking livestock with a hot iron, but the marketing of Somali livestock.

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