Caritas Somalia was born in a time of profound political and social change. Since its establishment in 1980, the organization has remained committed to supporting the most vulnerable communities in Somalia, adapting its presence and methods to an extremely fragile and insecure context.
Founded
1980
Founder
Mgr. Salvatore Colombo
Recognitions
Somali State (1988)
Caritas Internationalis (1983)
Operational Bases
Mogadishu, Nairobi, Djibouti
The roots of Caritas Somalia
Mgrs Colombo, first president of Caritas Somalia
Joining the Caritas Network
In 1983, Caritas Somalia was officially recognized and affiliated with the Caritas Internationalis network, fully sharing its values of solidarity, human dignity, and preferential care for the poor.
From its inception, Mgr. Colombo served as President of the organization, guiding its mission and activities until July 9, 1989, when he was tragically assassinated. His death marked a painful turning point in the history of Caritas Somalia.
Key moments in our history
Operating beyond Somalia’s borders
Following the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, Caritas Somalia was forced to relocate its operations to Nairobi. From 1991 to 2001, the organization continued its work under the leadership of Fr. Giorgio Bertin, former vicar general of Mgr. Colombo, who served as Apostolic Administrator and President.
In 2001, after Fr. Bertin was appointed Bishop of Djibouti, the Caritas Somalia office was moved to Djibouti, where it remains today. Operating from outside Somalia became a necessity to ensure continuity while protecting staff and partners.
“Give (or help) and go.”
Due to the persistent insecurity and fragility of the Somali context, Caritas Somalia adopted a methodology based on targeted, short-term, and low-budget interventions. Projects are designed to meet urgent needs while minimizing risk, especially for a Christian-inspired organization representing the local Church.
Working together for greater impact
In 1996, an ad hoc working group for Somalia was established to coordinate the activities of various Caritas members and humanitarian partners operating in the country. The group included organizations such as Caritas Somalia, Caritas Italiana, Caritas Switzerland, Caritas Germany, Trocaire, and CRS.
The group met for the first time in Rome on May 3 and later conducted field visits in Djibouti, Berbera, Hargeisa, Boroma, and Zeila to harmonize interventions and strengthen collaboration.
Presence on the ground: challenges and limits
Between 2004 and 2007, under the directorship of Davide Bernocchi, Caritas Somalia prepared for a possible return to Somalia. In May 2006, an office and guesthouse were opened in Baidoa, followed by an outpatient health structure.
However, increasing violence, the spread of anti-Christian rhetoric, and political instability forced the closure of the office in 2007. Subsequent attempts to establish a presence in Hargeisa in 2016 and 2017 were also abandoned due to security concerns.
Caritas Somalia today
Today, Caritas Somalia continues to operate from Djibouti, with the director frequently traveling to Hargeisa and Kenya to coordinate activities with humanitarian partners. Since January 13, 2024, the organization has been under the presidency of Mgr. Jamal Daibes, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mogadishu.
Despite ongoing challenges, Caritas Somalia remains committed to serving the Somali people with resilience, adaptability, and solidarity.