The Forum for Peace and Governance (FOPAG) believes peace to be the foundation for development. Its mission is to contribute to the development of a democratic system of governance within the framework of enhanced traditional participatory conflict transformation and peacebuilding processes, mechanisms which enable capacity building, advocacy and civic education for grassroots empowerment. A non-political and non-profit NGO, it is community-centred, research and action orientated, and operates in both Somaliland and Somalia.

Ultimately, FOPAG envisions a peaceful Somali society enjoying the fruits of sustainable peace, in which peace is linked with development and based upon good governance, respect for human rights, and democratic values.

The organisation has over 10 years of experience, which include working on civic and voter education, community-based peace initiatives and participatory governance, and the promotion of civil society organisations, local governments, and advocacy. These combine to improve the overall performance of local government institutions, while ensuring better planning, management, and development of sustainable programmes, conflict sensitive policies, and inclusive political participation at all levels.

Key priority areas

• Capacity Building: Builds the capacity of civil society organisations, local communities and local government personnel, in order for them to promote peace and good governance and enhance their democratic participation. Areas of capacity building include conflict transformation and peace building, citizen-centered advocacy and lobbying, policy analysis, public budgeting, transparency and accountability, democracy and human rights.
• Civic/Voter Education: Enhances the participation of CSOs and grassroots communities in democratic governance, and engages in community mobilisation and sensitisation campaigns on their roles and responsibilities. Those targeted are communities, village committees, community-based organisations, traditional and religious leaders and local governments.
• Research and Advocacy: FOPAG advocates for the achievement of good governance as well as Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). This is supported by research that offers evidence for its advocacy actions. FOPAG engages citizens and policy makers such as Members of Parliament (MPs) from relevant committees, officials from Executive Government, donors, and the media.