Somalia and Somaliland
Somalia is an internationally recognised country in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland is a self-declared independent state in the northwest of the region that broke away from Somalia in 1991.
HALO's work in Somaliland started in 1999, and is one of our longest-running programmes. We've worked on demining, weapons management, and training people to stay safe from explosives.
Our Somalia programme began in 2015, clearing landmines and delivering safety training, expanding to managing weapons in 2022.
Situation in Somalia and Somaliland
The people of Somalia have suffered decades of armed conflict. It began with the Ogaden War in 1977, and continues today with the civil war between al-Shabaab insurgents and the Federal Government of Somalia.
Thousands of landmines and explosives have been used, leaving a deadly legacy that threatens lives and destroys futures. The country remains separated between the independent state of Somaliland, semi-autonomous Puntland, and the four newly formed states that make up Southern Somalia.
While Somalia now has an internationally recognised government, the federal system is fragile. Its people are at risk from instability, explosives, and large numbers of unsecured weapons.
For many years it was too dangerous for organisations like HALO to access the remote communities in southern Somalia. This area is most severely affected by landmines, but access is opening up.
Somaliland, despite its lack of international recognition, continues to make progress as a democracy. In late 2024, they held the fourth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991.
HALO's work and impact in Somalia
HALO is working across the states of Galmadug, Hirshabelle and Southwest to identify battle sites and minefields. We've been working to make the land safe, so that farmers can graze their animals and access precious resources like water.
We strive to build trust with the local people, so we can more easily respond to requests to remove explosives.
HALO Somalia also delivers weapons management projects and training to help reduce the weapons that contribute to ongoing instability in Somalia.
We also teach risk education to vulnerable families, ensuring people stay safe until our work is done.
In southern Somalia, HALO works with national partners and international researchers to document the growth of Boswellia, a species of frankincense tree. We provide tree husbandry support to resin-harvesting communities that have been impacted by conflict.
Across the Horn of Africa region, HALO is developing partnerships with established national and international NGOs, research institutes and academic institutions. Our goal is to support biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and community-led climate change initiatives.
HALO Somalia's 10th anniversary
2025 marked the 10th anniversary of HALO's programme in Somalia. In that time we've safely destroyed over 90,000 remnants of war and helped to make over 400,000 Somali people safer. We've built 16 armouries and trained 192,800 people in staying safe from explosives.
Discover the story of Hassan, HALO Operations Manager and our first employee in Somalia. Hassan describes the devastation and violence of conflict, and the impact of HALO's work clearing explosives and delivering risk education.
HALO's work and impact in Somaliland
HALO is working across the states of Galmadug, Hirshabelle and Southwest to identify battle sites and minefields. We've been working to make the land safe, so that farmers can graze their animals and access precious resources like water.
We strive to build trust with the local people, so we can more easily respond to requests to remove explosives.
HALO Somalia also delivers weapons management projects and training to help reduce the weapons that contribute to ongoing instability in Somalia.
We also teach risk education to vulnerable families, ensuring people stay safe until our work is done.
In southern Somalia, HALO works with national partners and international researchers to document the growth of Boswellia, a species of frankincense tree. We provide tree husbandry support to resin-harvesting communities that have been impacted by conflict.
Across the Horn of Africa region, HALO is developing partnerships with established national and international NGOs, research institutes and academic institutions. Our goal is to support biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and community-led climate change initiatives.
Podcast: Hope in the Horn of Africa
Listen to our podcast on how we're dealing with a new threat: environmental degradation.
Other HALO programmes in Africa
Our work in Somalia and Somaliland is funded by:
