I recently embarked on a five-day journey through the Somali and Oromia regions of Ethiopia, where the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace in Ethiopia, is supporting a transformative project implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This initiative strengthens the social cohesion and economic resilience of communities affected by displacement, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities, and local authorities.
Oromia and Somali share Ethiopia’s longest internal border, stretching from Moyale in the south to Mulu in the east. Though communities share language, religion, and culture, tensions over land and water have occasionally sparked conflict. This project helps rebuild trust and opportunity where it’s needed most.
During this trip, I visited many initiatives, but I will share just a few that particularly stood out to me, not only for their tangible impact but also for the personal stories and resilience behind them.
Chinaksen, Oromia Region: Where Recovery Meets Ingenuity
In Chinaksen, I met vibrant community members who are not only rebuilding their lives but shaping a more resilient future. What struck me most was their strong sense of ownership and remarkable ingenuity. While we provide support, it is the community that drives the transformation.
I witnessed a range of recovery initiatives, from watershed management and soil conservation to water harvesting and sustainable agriculture. Communities are also engaging in livestock rearing, modern beekeeping, and skills training. These efforts go beyond restoring livelihoods; they reflect a forward-looking commitment to resilience, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Goljano, Somali Region: Building More Than Classrooms
In Goljano, I visited a school with new classrooms and a sturdy fence built with KOICA’s support. This may not sound transformative to some, but to the local people, it is substantial. This school has welcomed displaced persons and now offers a safe and enabling environment for children to learn, while the fence protects both students and school materials.
I also met with host and displaced communities. In conversations with community members, I heard moving stories of how the project is improving livelihoods, increasing income, and fostering peaceful coexistence. Local women peace ambassadors, community members trained through the project, are playing a key role in resolving conflicts.
In this town, I also witnessed the successful relocation and integration of IDPs into the host community. Today, they are not two groups but one: a united, re-born community.
Gursum, Oromia Region: One Woman’s Story of Strength
In Gursum, I met a remarkable woman, a mother of four who lost her husband to conflict. With support from the project, she received chickens and training in crop production. She started by selling eggs, and from that modest beginning, she was able to buy goats. Today, she owns nearly ten goats and is able to provide for herself and her family. She even built her own home. Her eyes shone with confidence and hope when I was speaking with her. She is not just surviving, she is building a future for herself and her children. This is the kind of durable solution we had in mind when we designed the KOICA project.
Shinile, Somali Region: Working as One
Women peace ambassadors In Shinile, I saw host and displaced communities working hand in hand. Together, and via a cash-for-work initiative, they renovated a vital road, improving access to markets and services. Their economic activities, livestock rearing, farming, and small trade are gaining momentum. I was especially encouraged by the community’s focus on women’s empowerment and mental health support. These are not just side activities, they are essential pillars of a thriving, cohesive society. The results are clear, and the community’s energy is contagious.
Jijiga, Somali Region: A Sense of Ownership
Returning to Jijiga, a place I last visited in May 2023, I saw progress and determination. While the region still faces challenges, particularly in peacebuilding, the commitment from the Somali regional government and communities is truly inspiring. I met with regional officials and discussed ongoing efforts in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and economic development. What impressed me most was their clear strategy, sense of ownership, and deep understanding of the long road ahead. Development cannot be imported, it must be owned. And here, it is.
Looking Ahead
This trip reminded me of the power of partnership and generosity, between communities, local authorities, and organizations like KOICA and IOM. It also reaffirmed our approach: when supporting communities to lead their own recovery, durable solutions follow.
IOM
