By HAN News Desk
Mogadishu – The Federal Government of Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, has called for enhanced national coordination and expanded international support to tackle the country’s worsening drought crisis, during a visit to the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) headquarters in Mogadishu.
During his visit, Minister Ali received detailed briefings on SODMA’s early warning systems and humanitarian monitoring mechanisms, which track climate-related shocks, including rainfall deficits, crop failures, and water scarcity across Somalia. The agency provides timely alerts to communities and government agencies to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
Minister Ali commended SODMA’s efforts in assisting communities that are most affected by prolonged dry spells, emphasizing the importance of rapid and efficient humanitarian response. “The work of SODMA is critical in reaching vulnerable populations with lifesaving support, especially in areas where water sources have dried up and food insecurity is rising,” he said.
Highlighting the persistent nature of drought in Somalia, the minister stressed the need for a unified national framework to accelerate relief delivery and strengthen coordination with international partners. “Recurrent droughts are not only a challenge for immediate survival—they threaten the long-term livelihoods of our people and the stability of our communities,” Ali noted.
The minister also appealed to Somali citizens, both at home and in the diaspora, to support ongoing relief operations through donations and advocacy. “Solidarity is essential. Collective action can significantly mitigate the humanitarian consequences of climate change,” he added.
Somalia has experienced successive years of below-average rainfall, exacerbating water shortages, livestock losses, and food insecurity. Humanitarian agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, millions of people could face severe hunger and displacement. International partners, including the United Nations, European Union, and non-governmental organizations, have pledged assistance but emphasize the need for stronger coordination with Somali authorities to maximize impact.
Minister Ali concluded his visit by encouraging SODMA and other government institutions to continue strengthening data collection, early warning mechanisms, and community-based response initiatives. “Preparedness saves lives,” he said, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in the face of climate-related disasters.
