Mogadishu, Somalia – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has issued a directive for immediate emergency assistance to communities affected by the ongoing drought in the Awdal region of Somaliland. The directive was made during Thursday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, as reports indicated worsening humanitarian conditions in the region.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Barre emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods, instructing relevant ministries and agencies to coordinate closely with humanitarian partners to deliver food, water, medical supplies, and other essential services without delay.
“This is a moment that calls for urgent action. All relevant institutions must act swiftly and effectively to reach those most affected by the drought in Awdal and prevent further suffering,” said Prime Minister.
The directive comes amid rising concerns from local authorities and aid organizations over severe water shortages, livestock deaths, and food insecurity across parts of Awdal. Thousands of families, particularly pastoralist communities, are reported to be in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has been tasked with leading the coordination efforts, while the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) is expected to deploy assessment teams to the region to determine the scale of the crisis and prioritize interventions.
The Prime Minister’s response underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing climate-induced challenges across the country, especially as Somalia faces recurring cycles of drought and displacement.