Statutes

Legal framework and governance of Caritas Somalia

This page presents the legal and institutional framework that governs Caritas Somalia. It includes the organization’s statutes, approved by the competent ecclesiastical authority, and official decrees regulating its structure and operational headquarters.

Founded under statute
13 February 1980

Latest statute approval
31 December 2025

Ecclesiastical authority
Diocese of Mogadishu

Legal nature
Non-profit, faith-based organization

Affiliations
Caritas Internationalis
Caritas MONA

Evolution of the statutes

Original Statutes (1980)

Approved on 13 February 1980
Established Caritas Somalia as the social-pastoral arm of the Catholic Church in Somalia
Defined governance, membership, and assets
Headquarters originally in Mogadishu

Updated Statutes (2025)

Renewed and approved on 31 December 2025
Updated governance structure and roles
Explicit alignment with Caritas Internationalis Statutes and policies
Clarified mission, values, and areas of intervention
Reflected the operational reality from Djibouti

Purpose of Caritas Somalia

Caritas Somalia is the social and pastoral arm of the Catholic Church within the Diocese of Mogadishu. Its mission is to end poverty, promote social justice, uphold human dignity, and respond to humanitarian crises such as droughts, floods, famine, and armed conflict.

Governance and leadership

President

Ordinary of the Diocese of Mogadishu
Supreme moral and ecclesial authority
Appoints the Executive Director
Represents Caritas Somalia nationally and internationally

Governing body

President
Four voting members
Executive Director (observer)
Strategic oversight, policy approval, financial supervision

Executive director

Manages daily operations
Oversees programs and partners
Financial and operational reporting
Emergency management

Assets and ressources

Caritas Somalia’s assets derive from donations, grants, project funding, and other lawful sources compatible with its mission. Financial management follows principles of transparency, accountability, and compliance with Church social doctrine.

Transfer of operational headquarters

Due to ongoing insecurity in Somalia, the operational headquarters of Caritas Somalia were officially transferred to Djibouti by decree of the Apostolic Administrator of Mogadishu on May 26, 2001. Despite this transfer, Caritas Somalia retains full autonomy and jurisdiction over its activities in Somalia.