USRI Profile and projects
August 2025
1. USRI Background
USRI, non-political, non-profit making professional organization, was established in late
2018, aiming at opening space for civil society to serve and contribute to overall
development efforts in the Somali region and the country.
USRI’s major goal: To produce an informed citizens that participate in the country’s
democracy and development generally and regionally particularly.
1.1 Vision: Envision a united Somali region, where democracy, equality and freedom
prevails with dignity for all
1.2 Mission: Enhance knowledge and awareness of the community through mobilizing
the untapped capacities in the region and working in partnership with like-minded
stakeholders
1.3 Objectives: The main objectives of USRI are as follows:
To organize and encourage regional intellectuals to share their knowledge and ideas
constructively for the democracy and development of the region
To enhance the political and socio-economic awareness of the community and build
their capacity to understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities
To promote community relationship building, conflict resolution, and peace -building
efforts and initiatives in the region and the country in general
To promote the human rights of the community, including minority groups, women,
children, and marginalized individuals.
2. Values: USRI Adheres the following:
Ethics
Accountability and Transparency
Equity
Coordination, Cooperation and partnership
Impartiality
Innovation and
Commitment
2.1 With five year strategic plan, USRI has the following policy documents
Human Resource Policy
Financial Policy and Procedures
Procurement Policy
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Employees Code of Conduct
Conflict of Interest; Data Protection Policy
Anti-bribery and Corruption Policy; Anti-terrorism Policy
PARTNERSHIP and ALLINECES
Official partnership with CR and KasmoDev
Relevant Bureaus and Concerned communities
Political Parties
Working relationship with Jigjiga University, Colleges
CSOs like SONSAC, AFIA, I4C, Hankaal Institute, SIRAD, CPU, Xaldoon
Regional media outlets including SRTV and Shakaal TV.
3. Ongoing/Active Projects
In collaboration with AFIA with funding and managerial support from CR, USRI is
currently implementing two projects one between Somali and Afar non-state peace actor.
Another project is 14C change of Oromia.
Both projects are focusing peace making along the border communities with the focus on:
Support further sessions of the dialogue process between USRI/AFIA to continue
building confidence between the two. The same is true with USRI/I4C.
Facilitate options development to broaden the process beyond USRI and AFIA by
identifying and mapping key stakeholders and agendas.
Support strengthening of USRI and AFIA to enable them to lead this process and
engage with stakeholders in their communities.
3.2 Peace and Dialogue Promotion Project B/N Somali and Oromo
USRI and I4C in collaboration funding from CR, are jointly implementing peace
building initiative among Somali-Oromo along border area. The project promotes
community-community dialogue through the National Dialogue (ND) advisory committee
to achieve mutual understanding, collaboration, and provide a space for Somali and
Oromia communities.
Foster cooperation and trust between Somali and Oromo stakeholders.
Reflect on past peace processes, especially the ONLF and OLF peace agreements, to
inform future peace initiatives.
Discuss prospects, challenges, and opportunities for the national dialogue.
Explore further collaboration between the Somali and Oromo communities to
strengthen ties and promote mutual understanding.
4. Key Successes & Achievements
USRI organized more than hundred civic-civic, civic-political and political-intellectual
forums and platforms on the more pressing issues in the country
Scenario and political analysis workshops
USRI in collaboration with SONSAC is leading organization facilitating discussion on
national dialogue at regional level.
Conducted public awareness workshops on the political and socio-economic situation
of the country:
Quarterly awareness raising venues and discuss major topics in the HOA
generally and Ethiopia particularly.
Build scenarios analysis enabled Somali region to avoid the impact of the
country’s political turmoil
Achievement …
Extending reconciliation initiatives beyond Somali community (Somali-Afar
Reconciliation process)
Created space and linkages to discuss among conflicting areas along the border
communities such as (Moyale, Tuli-Chinaksen, Babile, Dire Dawa with ORS), and
Denan communities in SRS.
Enhanced CSOs engagement with political, economic and social aspects of the region
with key focused on inclusion and diversity participation (in any workshop facilitated
by USRI female representation is above 30%, and 15% from youths).
Facilitated sponsored programs and documentaries on peace building through mass
media institutions in Somali region.
5. Challenges
Limited resources/Funding (USAID closure, standoff r/ship btwn
Ethiopia and Donors; donor mentality towards development or focus
area)
Ongoing conflict in the country leading highly volatile political situation
with price inflation, IDPs, tense relationship with neighbours (Red sea
case).
Border conflicts between communities in the country (Dacawey case,
Tulli-Jinacsan; Makanisa, Marar Micro dam, etc.
6. Way forward
Mobilizing sufficient resources with the partnership of more funding
agencies
Extending civic-civic and civic-political forums beyond the regional
capital to zones.
Capacity building support for other CSOs, and political parties with a
separate forums for women, youth, religious and traditional leaders.
Enhancing social inclusion (marginalized communities-minorities) of
political transitions and reconciliation processes.
