Somalia's plan to break free from aid dependence | Rethinking Humanitarianism

For Abdihakim Ainte, a senior Somali government official, the international humanitarian system's sudden contraction has been both a "cataclysmic" shock – with devastating immediate consequences – and a reckoning that could ultimately accelerate Somalia's path towards greater self-reliance.

Last week's episode explored how shifting power, money, and politics in traditional donor countries is reshaping the humanitarian landscape from the top down.

In this follow-up episode, Ainte shares his perspective from the point of view of a country that traditionally receives aid.

Guest

Abdihakim Ainte, senior adviser for food security and climate change in the office of Somalia's prime minister

Key moments

[05:28] – Who really controls aid in Somalia?

[10:47] – How UN agencies sideline the state in crises

[18:24] – "It's very grim": What happened on the ground when donors walked away?

[20:28] – Plan B: Private sector, diaspora, and domestic revenues

[29:45] – Aid diversion and mutual accountability

[37:58] – "The aid cut could be a blessing in disguise"