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"
[45:00] – The Türkiye model of donor relations
Got a question or feedback? Email podcast@thenewhumanitarian.org or post on social media using the hashtag #RethinkingHumanitarianism.
This episode was made in collaboration with Start Network as part of a series that explores what really drives change in the humanitarian system, and what it tells us about future efforts to transform the system for the better.