MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has ordered all government institutions to treat Somalia’s deepening drought as a national emergency, calling for swift, coordinated action to prevent a wider humanitarian crisis.
The directive followed a visit to the National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) emergency response centre in Mogadishu, where the President was briefed on the scale of the crisis, including rising displacement figures and environmental damage.
Warning of Famine Risk
SoDMA officials warned that without immediate intervention, the situation in the hardest-hit regions could escalate into famine.
In response, President Mohamud instructed federal agencies to place drought response at the top of their priorities and to strengthen coordination with Federal Member States to ensure aid reaches affected communities without delay.
The President appealed to public officials, the private sector, and international partners to mobilize emergency assistance to protect livelihoods and avert further deterioration.
Tax Exemptions for Aid
To expedite relief operations, the President directed financial and revenue authorities to exempt all drought-related humanitarian assistance, donations, and services from taxation. The move is aimed at cutting operational costs and removing administrative bottlenecks for aid agencies.
Somalia is currently experiencing one of its most severe climate shocks in recent years, with aid agencies warning that millions remain at risk unless support is rapidly scaled up.
