CALL FOR RE-EVALUATION OF NGOs OPERATING IN PUNTLAND STATE

WDM EDITORIAL

This imperative need for re-evaluation of Non-State Actors (NSAs) commonly called NGOs should screen these entities for acceptable organizational social behavior, job performance, mission compatability, ethical conduct, neutrality and adherence to apolitical conduct of their boards of directors, management and staff.
It is in the responsibilities of the government of Puntland State to re-assert that NGOs are not private businesses or clan organizations, but public institutions under the laws and jurisdictions of Puntland Government. Board of Directors and Executive Management of these organizations must be made to understand that they can be removed by relevant agency of the State, which can appoint respective temporary new boards of directors and management until their elections are held.
In the case of PDRC, Puntland people may not be aware of the fact that it is a government agency whose Executive Director is appointed by Puntland State President. Over the years, it has been given free hands to behave like an NGO in order to secure operating funds from peace, development and research-oriented international NGos of the Donor Community in Europe and USA. However, these well-wishing international donors must ensure that their tax-payers’ money should not be directed elsewhere under cleaverly and deceptively tailored programs to secure funds.

We are also aware of some international NGOs and UN agencies intentionally funding some non-state actors in Somalia to do more harm in creating societal dependency.