By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has issued an urgent directive for emergency humanitarian assistance to the drought-stricken Awdal region, following a high-level cabinet meeting held Thursday in Mogadishu.
During the Council of Ministers’ weekly session, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Awdal—especially in the districts of Zeila, Lughaya, and nearby villages—dominated discussions. A detailed report presented by the Ministry of Interior and the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) highlighted severe food and water shortages, widespread livestock deaths, and failing agricultural production affecting thousands of residents.
In response, Prime Minister Hamza instructed all relevant federal agencies to act swiftly in coordinating and delivering aid to the affected populations. He also called on both Somali citizens and international humanitarian partners to contribute to the national relief effort.
“The government is fully committed to supporting our people in Awdal,” said the Prime Minister. “We urge all Somalis and our international partners to join hands in responding to this urgent humanitarian situation.”
The cabinet reaffirmed its dedication to mobilizing resources—both domestic and international—not just for immediate relief, but also for long-term recovery and resilience efforts in the region.
However, a critical question lingers: Can the Federal Government of Somalia effectively deliver aid to the Awdal region, which is currently under the control of the self-declared independent administration of Somaliland—a region that claims to have seceded from Somalia since 1991?
The political complexities raise significant challenges for coordination and delivery of assistance, especially as Somaliland authorities maintain de facto control over the territory, despite lacking international recognition. Ensuring aid reaches the vulnerable communities on the ground will require careful navigation of both humanitarian needs and political realities.
