National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)
Establishment of NEOC
Somalia has been experiencing a significant number of Natural, Political, and protracted armed conflict connected complex disasters. It clearly outlines the path to Somalia’s ruin paved by the collapse of its government in 1991. Disasters have been always a civil protection matter, and it has been observed that one of the means to contest them is to be prepared before they strike. The Federal government of Somalia (FGS) has prioritized development of capacity at federal and member states level for effective disaster management in its National Development Plans since 2017-2019, and current Dan Qaran government program. In January 2018, the FGS adopted a National Disaster Management Policy which provides a legislative framework for embedding disaster management (DM) within appropriate structures of the government. The aim of this policy is to strengthen national capacities for effective disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, prevention, and recovery, to protect lives and livelihoods, property, environment and the economy at large. The policy recognizes that while the government has the primary role in reducing disaster risk, responsibility should be shared by all stakeholders including local government, civil society, the private sector, and other national and international organizations.
VISION of NEOC
Establishment of a National Emergency Operation Center to Coordinate all emergency preparedness and response operations in the event of a national emergency.
Mission of NEOC
Strengthen Governmental capacity to effectively coordinate and build resilience of communities for emergency preparedness and response according to global best standards and practices.
The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) was established under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MoHDM) that later was transferred to Office of the Prime Minister until 3rd August 2023 when the reinstated Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) became institutional home of National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC). The center will focus on strengthening the Somali Governments (including FM states) capacity to manage, coordinate and respond to natural disasters (e.g related to climate change) and conflict. This dual determination SES-secondment has focused on a) The technical coordination for the establishment and Operationalization of the pioneer National Emergency Operations Center and b) To build the Performance capacity, knowledge, attitude and practice of Emergency preparedness and Response (EP&R), mainstreaming Cross-Cutting issues (Gender equality & Equity and environment) and inclusiveness.
The purpose of a National Emergency Response Center is to establish a national hub that will Coordinate all emergency preparedness and response operations in the event of a national emergency and to Strengthen Governmental capacity to effectively coordinate and build the resilience of communities according to global and regional best practices and standards.
This includes contingency plans and developing civil protection mechanisms. Furthermore, the NEOC will by utilizing the newly build G+1 operational building continued capacitating national and sub-national centers and staff.