Workshop Strengthens National Disaster Management in Somalia

MOGADISHU – Officials from the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Federal Member State ministries for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and the Banadir Regional Administration convened in Mogadishu for a workshop on the Tri-Part Framework to enhance disaster management coordination nationwide.

The event, organized by SoDMA with assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP) Somalia, emphasized improving collaboration, coordinating humanitarian operations, and strengthening disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Strengthening National Disaster Coordination

Attendees praised SoDMA’s ongoing initiatives to advance disaster management in Somalia, noting the forum’s role in fostering better cooperation and alignment among humanitarian response institutions. Dr. Ismail Jim’ale, Head of Projects Development at SoDMA, stressed the importance of closer stakeholder collaboration to develop a more effective and unified approach to disaster preparedness, response, and risk management across the country.

The Somali Disaster Management Agency has been actively working to strengthen data-driven decision-making in disaster response, bringing together disaster response practitioners and policymakers to enhance the country’s capacity to anticipate crises, mitigate disaster impacts, and safeguard vulnerable communities.

SoDMA’s Ongoing Partnerships and Initiatives

The Commissioner of SoDMA, Mahamuud Moallin Abdulle, has hosted senior delegations from international partners, addressing projections for approaching droughts, deepening collaboration, and bolstering early warning systems alongside community rapid response capabilities. These partnerships are essential for speeding up readiness actions and refining information exchange.

SoDMA has also launched initiatives to strengthen women’s participation in humanitarian response and disaster relief operations, recognizing the critical role women play in addressing humanitarian challenges, particularly in displacement camps and communities affected by drought, floods, and conflict. Enhancing women’s leadership in relief efforts leads to more inclusive and effective humanitarian outcomes.

Building a Unified Approach to Disaster Management

Strategic partnerships with international organizations remain essential for advancing humanitarian operations across Somalia, enabling humanitarian actors to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of vulnerable populations, especially in areas that are otherwise inaccessible due to insecurity or poor infrastructure.

SoDMA has previously concluded workshops focused on gender strategy in disaster management, enabling stakeholders to identify and address gender issues that hinder equality in disaster management. These efforts are part of SoDMA’s broader commitment to inclusive and effective disaster response.

Looking Ahead

The Tri-Part Framework workshop represents a significant step forward in Somalia’s efforts to build a more coordinated and resilient disaster management system. By bringing together federal and regional stakeholders with international partners, SoDMA continues to strengthen the country’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

The agency’s ongoing initiatives, combined with strategic partnerships and a focus on inclusive approaches, are helping to build a more effective disaster management framework that serves all Somali communities.