MSF Somalia Intersectional Set Up

MSF’s intersectional return to Somalia commenced in 2015 and its huge efforts have resulted in several operational projects whilst mitigating operational and institutional risks. The single line model was implemented as it had been defined, negotiated, and approved by all key MSF bodies. This model aimed to unify the re-entry through a gradual approach, the application of complex and counter-intuitive operational principles, unified security management and interconnected operational autonomy. Under OCA lead, the intersectional mission brought it to life and applied the modest framework to the letter, gradually enabling the return of 3 sections to Somalia and a fourth in Somaliland which is still integrated to the single line. It delivers efficiently. It fits the still dramatic and hostile context, the coherent framework is consistent, the volume 
of interventions is increasing, including emergency responses, services are increasingly delivered to the Somali population, there are only minor/moderate security incidents that do not increase with the increase of ops volume and visits. The model gives mixed results in terms of negotiation capacity and should now move on with the finally agreed common strategy. It has given a discreet but relevant voice to MSF on Somalia. The model is supported by a consistent majority of internal stakeholders across sections, much more from the field (projects and coordination) than in HQs. It is not immune from dissonant voices, some of them strong, but no one is proposing serious alternatives to it.

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