DRC started its operations in Puntland with a field office in Bossaso in 2005.

The organization provides assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and asylum seekers from the neighboring countries, conflict-affected host communities and the urban poor.

Under this programme, DRC adopts an integrated approach by providing life-saving assistance, supporting livelihoods activities and constructing and rehabilitating infrastructure. This assistance is mainly targeted at the population affected by the violence or forcibly displaced from their habitual residences, now living in various IDP settlements, mainly in Bossaso and Gaalkacyo.

DRC’s assistance include monthly general food distribution benefiting 16,000 IDPs and people from the host communities, provision of shelter kits, construction and rehabilitation of latrines, water tanks and schools.

DRC also helps people gaining useful skills and provides support to facilitate integration and return. Some 100,000 live in the various IDP settlements across Puntland.

The semi-autonomous region of Puntland is situated in northeastern Somalia. Unlike Somaliland, it does not seek outright independence from Somalia. The region has been in territorial dispute with Somaliland over Sool and Sanaag regions since 1998.

Puntland has a relatively stable political administration as compared to other regions of the country. It has an elected president, cabinet and clan appointed parliament.

Economically, Puntland relies mostly on livestock export to the rich Gulf States, but also on its marine resources and other products such as frankincense, gum arabic, Sea Salt and agriculture. Remittance from the Diaspora also plays a major role in the economy.

Poverty is widespread and about 43 percent of the population live on less than one US dollar a day.

Donors and partners: Danida, ECHO, EC/AET, EC, FAO, FCA, World Bank, WFP