Somalia’s Country Humanitarian Forum Calls for Urgent Action Ahead of 2026 Deyr Rains
MOGADISHU, Somalia | September 23, 2026 — Somalia’s Country Humanitarian Forum (CHF), convened by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), concluded in Mogadishu with a call for coordinated, well-resourced preparedness ahead of the anticipated 2026 Deyr rains and El Niño conditions.
Held under the theme “From Early Warning to Early Action: Mobilizing Resources and Readiness Commitments for 2026 El Niño,” the Forum brought together federal and state authorities, United Nations agencies, donors, diplomatic missions, civil society, NGOs, academia, the private sector and the Somali diaspora.
Participants reviewed the latest risk outlook, assessed preparedness, and identified operational and financing gaps. They reaffirmed the Government’s leadership through SoDMA and called on partners to align their efforts with national priorities and coordination mechanisms.
The Forum urged partners to translate early warnings into timely action, particularly in high-risk areas along the Juba and Shabelle river basins, displacement sites and other vulnerable communities. Priorities include strengthening evacuation and search-and-rescue capacity, pre-positioning essential supplies, and preparing shelter, water and sanitation, health, protection, logistics, cash assistance and continuity of essential services.
Participants also called for additional, flexible funding to address critical gaps and ensure support reaches communities facing the greatest risks. SoDMA will consolidate commitments and priority actions, maintain national readiness tracking, and coordinate regular progress reviews, with unresolved gaps escalated for action.
The Forum thanked UNFPA and KOICA for their financial and technical support. Participants closed by reaffirming their commitment to coordinated and accountable action to protect lives and livelihoods and reduce the humanitarian impact of the anticipated conditions.
Please download the communique in this link below