Mogadishu, Somalia — The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle, chaired a high-level coordination meeting on Thursday bringing together key international donors, United Nations agencies, and government partners to address the escalating drought crisis in Northern Somalia.
Held at the SoDMA headquarters in Mogadishu, the meeting focused on three core areas: responding to the intensifying humanitarian needs in drought-affected regions, evaluating Somalia’s national disaster risk management framework, and strengthening the government’s institutional capacity for emergency preparedness and response.
Moallim expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions in the northern regions, particularly in parts of Puntland and Somaliland, where water shortages, livestock deaths, and rising displacement are placing enormous strain on vulnerable communities.
“The situation in Northern Somalia is alarming. Immediate and coordinated action is needed to prevent further suffering and loss of life. This meeting is not only about mobilizing support—it’s about building lasting systems that help Somalia manage and recover from future climate shocks,” Moallim said.
Participants in the meeting included representatives from UN OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, FAO, and major donor countries including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Discussions emphasized the urgency of scaling up life-saving interventions such as water trucking, food assistance, and mobile health services.
Equally important was the joint review of Somalia’s disaster risk management (DRM) strategy. Commissioner Moallim and his counterparts underscored the need for sustainable investments in early warning systems, community-based resilience programs, and local response capabilities.
Donor representatives praised SoDMA’s leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Somalia’s humanitarian response. However, they also emphasized the importance of accountability, coordination, and data-driven planning to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
The meeting concluded with a joint communiqué outlining immediate priorities, including the activation of regional drought task forces, rapid needs assessments in affected areas, and the establishment of a drought response coordination hub in Garowe.
With forecasts predicting below-average rainfall in the coming season, Somali authorities and their partners face a race against time to avert a deeper crisis. Thursday’s meeting marked a significant step in forging the partnerships and strategies required to protect lives and livelihoods across Northern Somalia.