In 1992, the world watched in horror as a brutal civil war ravaged Somalia, leaving the capital Mogadishu in ruins. Trash filled the streets, while medical waste and human remains littered the streets of the capital. The collapse of social services and municipal infrastructure has led to a breakdown in waste management, turning Somalia into a public health crisis. Amid the chaos, the United Nations Security Council authorized the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) to lead international efforts to restore order, provide humanitarian assistance and rebuild the country’s infrastructure. One of UNOSOM’s most significant successes has been its waste management program, which has inspired best practices in urban governance around the world.
Initial challenges and efforts
Initial UNOSOM assessments found that Somali cities, including Mogadishu, suffered from unsanitary conditions due to inadequate waste collection, poor infrastructure and lack of management. The lack of proper waste disposal has led to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and malaria, as well as the perpetuation of environmental hazards posed by the accumulation of debris and waste. To mitigate this crisis, UNOSOM I launched a multidisciplinary team comprising healthcare experts, engineers, sociologists and local Somali counterparts to develop a sustainable waste management strategy.
Implementation of solutions
The UNOSOM waste management solution draws on the principles of capacity building, community engagement and public-private partnerships. Key initiatives included:
- Implementation of waste collection and disposal programs
- Training of Somali national staff in waste management practices
- Collaboration with local authorities, NGOs and private operators
- Development of low-cost, locally adaptable sanitation technologies
After several years of efforts, the UNOSOM waste management program has brought remarkable results:
- The overall mortality rate in Somalia has decreased by an average of 25%
- Outbreaks linked to unsanitary conditions have slowed to almost zero
- Gross waste accumulation decreased by 80% in key urban areas
- An estimated 100,000 people have directly benefited from water and sanitation improvements, directly improving their health.
Countries like Kenya, Sri Lanka and Rwanda have been influenced by UNOSOM’s innovative approach to integrated waste management. In particular, the Somali model of waste collection has been adopted by Rwanda’s cities, taking them from being among the worst on the continent to having among the highest standards of sanitation. These experiences highlight the enduring success of the UNOSOM I waste management initiative: turning crisis into opportunity. By adopting a spirit of collaboration and fostering local capacities for effective waste management, urban development around the world can be significantly improved, ensuring healthier populations, better environmental management and more resilient cities.
To learn more about UNOSOM’s waste management efforts in Somalia, visit: UNOSOM Environmental Reports
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