DBG
is a Somali local NGO. DBG literally translates to Common Community
Care. How DBG was emerged? In 1992 and in response the devastating
impacts of Somali civil war, Diakonie Emergency Aid (DEA) and
Caritas, both of Germany (DCG) started humanitarian relief activities
in Somalia.
However, in 1995 unfortunate incident took place in Merka town,
Lower Shabelle region. It was the ruthless killings of a Nun from
Caritas Italy. The incident caused unprecedented local and international
outrage and reactions. It also caused Caritas Germany in solidarity
with Caritas Italy to pull out Somalia.
Nevertheless, Bread for the World (BFTW) Germany decided to replace
Caritas.
On the other hand, kidnappings and target killings of international
relief workers continued dramatically. The situation was unbearable.
DEA and BFTW Germany was now facing ethical dilemma. That's to
either continue operating in Somalia and face harsh consequences,
or leave and millions could eventually suffer or vanish.
Ultimately, DEA and BFTW in search for solutions and in deep convictions
for serving the needy decided to enable local Somali employees
to implement humanitarian relief projects. The option of allowing
local employees to implement humanitarian relief project activities
was beneficial in many ways. First, many lives were saved. Second,
it allowed DEA and BftW to continue their commitments towards
serving conflict and drought affected Somalis.
To this day, there are two permanent serving members in the DBG
Board of Directors. One member representing DEA and the other
is representing BFTW. Furthermore, DEA, BftW and Caritas Germany
all continue their support to DBG in way or the other. And finally,
allowing local Somali employees to implement projects has paved
the way the birth of DBG.
Hence, DBG over the years emerged as an experienced organization
with strong identity where all Somali people are fairly represented
and its first kind of humanitarian relief local organization.
In addition, DBG over the years operating as humanitarian relief
organization has undergone organizational development trainings
(Strategic Planning), and endeavors in order to increase its organizational
capacity and to retain its indigenous character while maintaining
close relations with its original founders.
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