MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a three-day consultative workshop at Hotel Istanbul in Mogadishu. The workshop, which began on September 7, 2025, focuses on strengthening investigation procedures and preventing the diversion of humanitarian aid.

The workshop brought together staff from all departments of the agency and representatives from the federal member states, with the aim of improving staff capacity to identify and effectively respond to cases of aid diversion. The workshop also seeks to create unified investigative procedures that will enhance transparency and accountability in aid work.

Opening Remarks and the Workshop’s Importance

Mr. Abdisalam Abdullahi Farah, Director of the Relief Department at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of Galmudug, stated that aid diversion is a major challenge that hinders humanitarian efforts. He noted that this program will provide the necessary tools to combat the issue.

For his part, Mr. Said Mohamed Added, Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of Southwest State, indicated that this collaboration represents a qualitative improvement in the monitoring and investigative capabilities of aid agencies.

In his keynote address, Professor Mohamed Ahmed Adalle, Assistant Commissioner of Agency for the Durable Solutions for IDPs Program and an expert on Aid Diversion Communications, emphasized that this program is a key pillar of SoDMA’s strategy to ensure aid reaches those who are entitled to it.

He added that the workshop focuses on building the capacity of local staff and providing them with advanced skills in field investigations and evidence collection.

Finally, he urged for the swift implementation of this program in the field, as it is crucial for protecting humanitarian aid.

The Importance of Preventing Humanitarian Aid Diversion

Humanitarian aid diversion poses a serious and complex threat to global relief efforts, particularly in fragile states like Somalia, which are frequently affected by crises. When aid is diverted, it fails to reach the most vulnerable populations—displaced persons, families, and communities suffering from conflict, drought, and famine—leaving them in dire need. This not only undermines the fundamental purpose of humanitarian work but also erodes trust among donors, local communities, and international partners.

In Somalia, where millions rely on external assistance for survival, preventing aid diversion is crucial for maintaining the integrity of relief operations. It ensures that every kilogram of food, every liter of water, and every medical supply reaches its intended beneficiary, thereby saving lives and alleviating suffering. By strengthening accountability and transparency through initiatives like this workshop, organizations like SoDMA can build a more resilient and effective aid delivery system, one that serves as a cornerstone of national stability and human dignity.