Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) is stepping up its mission to strengthen national resilience after holding high-level talks with the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) in Mogadishu. SoDMA Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle welcomed the Swiss delegation, led by Julien Peissard, the Deputy Head of International Cooperation for the Horn of Africa — a visit that highlighted the growing depth and purpose of the partnership.
The discussions centered on improving coordination between the two institutions as Somalia continues to face overlapping humanitarian challenges. Both sides explored ways to enhance emergency preparedness across federal and state levels, strengthen responses to recurring climate shocks, and sustain support for the country’s most vulnerable communities. The prolonged drought impacting millions loomed large over the meeting, underscoring how climate-driven crises have become a long-term threat that strains local capacity and requires unified international engagement.
The Commissioner expressed the government’s appreciation for Switzerland’s consistent and timely humanitarian assistance. He noted that continued collaboration with SDC is vital for modernizing Somalia’s disaster risk management system — shifting from a reactive approach to preventive strategies focused on risk reduction, early alerts, and empowering communities before crises escalate.
The Swiss delegation commended SoDMA’s recent progress in building stronger institutions and improving national coordination during emergencies. They praised the agency’s proactive approach and reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa. SDC signaled that future support may expand, including additional technical and financial backing to help Somalia navigate complex humanitarian pressures and stabilize high-risk areas.
This renewed partnership highlights the importance of international cooperation in confronting global challenges intensified by climate change. Joint initiatives between SoDMA and SDC are expected to deliver practical, real-world benefits — saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and helping Somalia move toward a more stable and resilient future aligned with its development priorities.
