Commissioner Moallim Meets Major General Hamud To Support Prisoners And Orphaned Children

MOGADISHU: The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahamuud Moallim, has met with the Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps, Major General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud, at SoDMA headquarters in Mogadishu to strengthen humanitarian support for prisoners, orphaned children of custodial forces, and to enhance prison welfare services.

The gathering aimed to bolster collaboration between the two institutions in addressing humanitarian challenges affecting inmates and families associated with the Custodial Corps. Major General Hamud commended SoDMA’s disaster prevention initiatives and highlighted the importance of aiding prisoners, orphaned children, and other at‑risk communities. Commissioner Moallim reiterated SoDMA’s dedication to supporting the Custodial Corps through humanitarian aid, prison oversight, and welfare programmes for vulnerable populations.

The meeting follows a series of ongoing reforms within Somalia’s correctional system. Major General Hamud was appointed Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps in March 2026, bringing substantial experience from previous roles as a federal minister and senior officer in the Somali Police Force and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). His appointment came at a critical time, as intensified military operations against Al‑Shabaab have placed considerable strain on the country’s correctional infrastructure, with a rapidly growing detainee population requiring safe management and legal processing.

SoDMA has been actively expanding its humanitarian reach. Commissioner Moallim recently met with the Chief of the Somali National Army to coordinate humanitarian relief in newly liberated areas, underscoring the importance of civil‑military cooperation in stabilising communities freed from militant control. The agency has also been at the forefront of disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, pushing for technology‑driven early warning systems to protect communities from recurring natural disasters.

The broader context of prison reform in Somalia remains a priority for both national and international partners. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moallim, has held high‑level talks with the National Independent Human Rights Commission to address prison conditions and detainee rights, focusing on systemic issues such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and lack of medical care. The United Nations has voiced deep concern over conditions at Mogadishu’s Central Prison, describing the facility as “outdated and inhumane”. These challenges have prompted calls for urgent investment in modern correctional facilities that align with international standards.

Major General Hamud has actively sought international partnerships to upgrade the penal system. He recently met with the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia to explore cooperation on prison facility upgrades, communication networks, and specialised training for custodial personnel. The discussions also included humanitarian support for orphans at a centre in the Afgooye district operated by the Custodial Corps, reflecting a commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children.

SoDMA has established itself as a key partner in disaster response and humanitarian aid. The agency delivered lifesaving aid to more than 148,000 families despite global funding cuts, and has coordinated with international partners to strengthen emergency preparedness. The meeting with the Custodial Corps represents an expansion of SoDMA’s mandate beyond natural disasters to include humanitarian support for those within the justice system, particularly detainees and their dependents.

Both Commissioner Moallim and Major General Hamud emphasised the importance of inter‑agency cooperation in addressing the overlapping challenges of security, justice, and humanitarian welfare. As Somalia continues its transition towards greater self‑reliance, the integration of disaster management with correctional services is expected to play a growing role in protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, including those within the prison system.