Hargeisa, Somaliland — In response to worsening drought conditions in parts of Somaliland, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has announced the formation of a 15-member National Drought Response Committee.
The move signals an urgent effort by the new administration to coordinate relief efforts and mitigate the escalating humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged dry spells and water shortages.
The presidential decree, issued from the capital Hargeisa on Tuesday, tasks the committee with leading emergency coordination, mobilizing resources, and working closely with local authorities, international partners, and aid organizations to deliver life-saving support to affected communities.
The committee includes senior government officials, humanitarian experts, and representatives from the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock, Interior, and Health. It is chaired by the Vice President of Somaliland and will report directly to the Office of the President.
President Irro, who assumed office in 2024, emphasized that the drought situation requires a “unified national approach” and pledged his government’s full commitment to supporting vulnerable families.
“This is a time for solidarity and swift action. Our people are facing a serious threat, and we must respond with urgency and compassion,” he stated.
The formation of the committee comes amid increasing reports of livestock deaths, crop failures, and displacement in rural regions of Togdheer, Sool, and Sanaag. Humanitarian agencies have warned that the situation could deteriorate further without immediate intervention.
The President also called on the private sector, diaspora communities, and development partners to contribute generously to drought relief efforts, underscoring the collective responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods.
The newly formed committee is expected to begin assessments and coordination meetings this week, followed by the launch of a national drought response plan.
Somaliland has faced recurring droughts over the past decade, driven by climate variability and limited infrastructure for water storage and distribution. The current government has promised to prioritize long-term climate resilience and water management systems.