By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu – In light of the escalating humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged drought conditions in the Awdal region, the Second Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, His Excellency Jibril Abdirashid Abdi, convened an emergency high-level meeting on Saturday with the national committee responsible for coordinating drought response operations.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Mogadishu, brought together key stakeholders including senior government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and members of the emergency response coordination team. Also in attendance were technical advisors and regional representatives who provided updated field assessments.
The session featured comprehensive presentations highlighting the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Awdal. The committee shared alarming reports on the widespread water shortages, crop failure, loss of livestock, and displacement of thousands of residents—particularly in the districts of Saylac, Lughaya, and surrounding rural communities. The presentations also noted the growing number of people facing food insecurity, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic health services.
In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Abdi expressed deep concern over the worsening drought conditions and stressed the need for urgent and unified action. He underscored the importance of coordinated intervention in line with the Council of Ministers’ directive issued on July 17th, which called for a nationwide mobilization to assist affected populations.
“The people of Awdal are facing unimaginable hardship. It is our moral and national duty to act swiftly and ensure that emergency aid reaches those in desperate need,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated. “This is not the time for fragmented responses. We must align all humanitarian efforts and work as one government, one nation, to save lives.”
He further instructed all relevant ministries and partners to accelerate the delivery of relief supplies, including food, clean water, medical support, and shelter. He also called on Somali civil society, local communities, business leaders, and international partners to demonstrate solidarity by contributing resources and logistical support.
The Federal Government, under the leadership of the DanQaran administration, reiterated its firm commitment to intensifying its response, particularly in areas most affected by the crisis. Efforts will prioritize remote and underserved communities where humanitarian access remains limited.
The meeting concluded with the formation of a rapid action task force to oversee the implementation of immediate relief measures and to monitor the evolving needs on the ground.
As Somalia faces one of the worst droughts in recent years, the government once again urged unity and compassion from all sectors of society to stand with the people of Awdal in their time of need.
