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DIIS event

Somali diaspora humanitarianism in complex crises

When disaster strike, diaspora groups are often first responders and remain engaged during lengthy and complex crises. Join this roundtable where we discuss practices, possibilities and pitfalls

Watch the recording here


What does it mean for Somalis in rainy Copenhagen when their families in Somalia are affected by drought? Or if flooding destroys their houses and livelihoods when the rains finally appear? How do Somali women groups in Kenya and Zambia reach out to assist households urgently in need of humanitarian assistance? What about diaspora actors whose involvement goes hand in hand with political ambitions or if religious authorities are taking the lead?  Who is supported and who are left out? 

At this roundtable, we discuss these questions based on our findings in the Diaspora Humanitarianism in Complex Crises (D-Hum) research project. Focusing on transnational ties between different Somali localities – from Mogadishu to Lasanod – and central diaspora hubs in African and Western countries, we examine the intricacies and practices of emergency assistance, whether acute or long-term, and reflect on the lessons learnt and policy implications for supporting or collaborating with diaspora actors. 
 

Speakers

Sahra Ahmed Koshin is a PhD student at the University of Nairobi and University of Copenhagen. Her research examines how Somali businesswomen and female refugees living in Zambia carries out emergency assistance in Puntland. Sahra is the founder and director of the Somali Gender Hub and a prolific blogpost writer.

Peter Alexander Albrecht is a senior researcher at DIIS, with expertise in security, conflict and development, provided by state and non-state actors in Somalia and West Africa. 

Abdirahman Ali Edle is a PhD student at the University of Nairobi and University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on the role of religion and politics in Somali diaspora humanitarianism in Nairobi and Mogadishu. Abdirahman also has experience as a research consultant.

Mark Bradbury is the executive director of the Rift Valley Institute and is based in Nairobi. Mark is an expert in humanitarian aid and development in East Africa and further afield. 

Fatima Mohamed Dahir is a PhD student at the University of Nairobi and University of Copenhagen. Her PhD project analyzes the organization and delivery of diaspora humanitarianism between Nairobi, Kenya, and Dollow, Somalia, focusing on the role technology.

Karuti Kanyinga is director of and research professor at the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi and an expert in politics, development, and governance in Kenya and the Horn of Africa. 

Nauja Kleist is a senior researcher at DIIS, with expertise in migration, mobility and diaspora engagement. She is the PI of the D-Hum project and has followed Somali diaspora engagement for +20 years.

Jethro Norman is a postdoc at DIIS and was a postdoc in the D-Hum project where he analyzed diaspora humanitarianism in the periphery of Somaliland. His research includes security, development and conflict as well. 

Obadia Okinda is senior researcher at the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi. His research focuses on the role of technology in diaspora humanitarianism and policy dialogue.

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Programme

16.30-16.40     Welcome and introduction, Nauja Kleist
16.40-17.30     Roundtable discussion, all speakers
17.30-18.00     Q&A
18.00                Reception

The seminar was held and recorded on 7 June 2023, 16.30-18.00 in DIIS Auditorium.

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7 June 2023 16:30–18:00
DIIS Auditorium

DIIS Experts

Nauja Kleist
Migration and global order
Senior Researcher
32698667
 Peter Albrecht
Global security and worldviews
Senior Researcher
+45 3269 8772
Jethro Norman
Peace and violence
Postdoc