Development Sweden #45. Sida Discriminated Against Children’s Organizations
Three children’s rights organisations – BRIS, Barnfonden, and SOS Children’s Villages – all received the highest ratings in Sida’s selection for future partners. Despite this, they can only apply for up to five million SEK, while several organisations with lower rankings can apply for up to 70 million SEK. Read about the reasons and Sidas …
Somaliland: Election in a ”non-existing” country
On November 13 Somaliland – which is a democratic and peaceful country on the h´Horn of Africa, yet not recognised by any other nation– will hold presidential elections. Brendon J. Cannon from Khalifa University writes about the implications and possibilities. Somaliland is due to hold a presidential election on 13 November 2024. The results of …
Development Sweden #44. Civil Society: Here are the organizations signing with Sida
Late on October 31 the long-awaited answer to which organizations would be selected to enter into partnership with Sida finally came. Some will cheer with joy, and others will be greatly disappointed. Read the full list and comments in Development Sweden #44 Our headlines: Development Sweden is published on a continuous basis and the target group is …
Development Sweden #43. Sweden Stops Aid to the Georgian Government
The Swedish government has decided to halt all direct cooperation with Georgian authorities. Will the government stop the Swedish NGO Olof Palme International Center’s ability to receive support through Sida’s call for civil society organisations? And Jocke Nyberg, independent senior evaluator who has previously worked for Sida in Colombia, welcomes that Sida is now changing …
Kurdistan: Peaceful election for regional parliament
ANALYSIS. In an otherwise turbulent region, the regional elections in Iraqi Kurdistan on 20 October turned out to be tranquil and respectful. Everything went smoothly, writes Qassim Khidhir. The opinions expressed in this article are those by the author. On October 20th, Iraqi Kurdistan held its sixth parliamentary elections, marking another important chapter in the …
Development Sweden #42. Sida Opens for ”Transition Applications” and Allocates Three Billion for Return Migration
The Swedish government has announced plans to allocate three billion kronor from Sida’s budget for migration-related initiatives, including the creation of return centers, as part of a new strategy focused on migration, return, and voluntary repatriation. Sida has also opened transitional support applications for strategic partner organizations until September 2025, although many are still waiting …
Who is Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu?
ANALYSIS. Tundu Lissu has become the face of opposition in Tanzania following his defiant and unrelenting criticism of the government. In 2017 he narrowly escaped an asasssination attempt, was airlifted to Kenya and later recovered in Belgium. After his return, Tundu Lissu has been arrested on several occasions. in 2025 he will most likely be …
Development Sweden #41. Sida’s New Organization Threatens Evaluators’ Independence
The OECD-DAC evaluator network voices concern that the independence of evaluators at Sida is under threat, at the same time the rapid organisational changes at Sida have led to stress and many sick leaves. Now, the safety representatives are raising the alarm. Read more in Development Sweden #41. Our headlines: Development Sweden is published every fourteen days …
Aid: Is it really better to cut out the “middleman”?
ANALYSIS. With fewer contractual steps and intermediaries, the Swedish government wants to achieve greater efficiency, less bureaucracy, better control and more resources reaching local organisations in partner countries. But why didn’t anyone think of it before, if it was so simple? asks Göran Holmqvist, former head of Sida’s Asia and Humanitarian Affairs department. The opinions expressed …
Development Sweden #40. Here is the government’s strategy for civil society
Finally, the Swedish government has presented its new strategy for civil society. Will the umbrella organisations survive the changes, and what can we now expect from the development cooperation agency Sida that will manage the changes? Read more in Development Sweden #40 Our headlines: Development Sweden is published every fourteen days and the target group is people …
