A Somali institute for research and policy studies was launched on Tuesday in the capital Mogadishu to join a number of higher learning institutions that operate here as the city witnesses a revival of its fortunes.

The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) is a researcher center which aims to inform and influence public policy and practice, say leaders of the new think tank during its launch in Mogadishu.

"The absence of meaning (sic) policy discourse and credible Somali voice that can articulate a national narrative have contributed to the plight of Somali people during two decades of civil war," Abdi Aynte, director of the institute said.

The research institute is the first of its kind to be launched and based in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Officials of the center say the institution will conduct a "field based research, informed analysis and innovative solutions in the form of reports, policy briefs and public debates".

Aynte said the Institute intends to fill the gap left by the lack of what he called credible Somali voice by enhancing the public's understanding of complex policy matters through research and analysis and by providing options to country's policymakers.

The Heritage Institute said as parts of its mission it will promote a "culture of learning and research" in Somalia by launching a series of public libraries across the country, organizing summer book fares and offering research courses and fellowships to postgraduate students and researchers.

Somalia's capital Mogadishu has lately been witnessing a resurgence of economic and social activities as a number of universities and institutions launched while businesses and construction has seen a boom as a result of the improved security in the seaside city.

Somali government has welcomed the launching of the research center.

The launch event was attended by Somali government officials, representatives from local universities, civil society institutions, business leaders as well as foreign diplomats in Mogadishu. Endi

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