BAIDOA — The interim leader of Somalia’s South West state Jibril Abdirashid Haji on Wednesday hosted a senior United Nations official in Baidoa for talks focused on humanitarian assistance, drought impacts, and support for displaced populations, officials said.
The meeting was held at the presidential palace in Baidoa, the administrative capital of Bay Region, during a visit by Tom Fletcher, the UN’s top humanitarian and emergency relief coordinator.
Discussions centered on strengthening cooperation between the South West administration and the United Nations, particularly in responding to worsening drought conditions, expanding emergency relief operations, and assisting internally displaced people across the region.
According to officials, Jibril Abdirashid Haji welcomed continued UN support and expressed appreciation for what he described as the organization’s “visible role” in assisting Somali communities affected by recurring humanitarian crises.
He also called for increased emergency funding and expanded development projects aimed at addressing the growing humanitarian needs in drought-affected and conflict-impacted areas.
For his part, Fletcher reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Somalia, saying the visit was part of a broader assessment of humanitarian conditions on the ground.
“The purpose of this mission is to better understand the scale of needs in areas affected by drought and conflict,” he said, according to officials present at the meeting.
He emphasized that the United Nations would continue working with local authorities and international partners to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
The talks were also attended by members of the South West state cabinet and senior officials from the regional presidency.
Somalia has faced repeated cycles of drought and flooding, compounded by insecurity and displacement, leaving millions dependent on humanitarian assistance. Aid agencies warn that climate shocks, combined with limited infrastructure, continue to deepen vulnerabilities across large parts of the country.
The UN has maintained a long-standing humanitarian presence in Somalia, coordinating relief operations with federal and regional authorities as the country grapples with one of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises.
