The Myth of Dependency among Camp Refugees in Somalia 1979–1989

This paper examines first the factors that led to the institutionalization of the refugee camps in Somalia which were initially established en route to durable solutions. Second, it challenges the stereotypes that had contributed to wrong perceptions among the aid agencies particularly with regard to the alleged prevalence of the so-called ‘dependency syndrome’ among the camp refugees between 1979 and 1989. The findings here show not only the dearth of evidence for such a phenomenon, but that within the given constraints and limited opportunities, the refugees were found to be imaginative, resourceful and industrious. In spite of the unfavourable conditions, the refugees succeeded in maintaining their independence and cultural identity.