The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mahmoud Moallim Abdulle, received at the agency’s headquarters the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, and the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, who also serves as the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. George Conway.

The meeting between the two sides focused on the drought conditions affecting the country and ways to strengthen emergency assistance for vulnerable people impacted by the drought.

Following the meeting, the two sides held a joint press conference, during which they discussed the latest drought situation in the country and the ongoing efforts to support affected communities.

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Representative for Somalia, James Swan, stated that unity and collective action are needed to overcome the country’s drought crisis. He noted that the United Nations will continue standing with the Somali people facing humanitarian challenges.

He also emphasized the urgent need for financial resources to strengthen humanitarian response operations, noting that the way international aid has been provided has changed over the past 18 months, particularly on the donor side.

Finally, the Commissioner of SoDMA, Mr. Mahmoud Moallim Abdulle, thanked James Swan for his visit and noted that the drought is spreading across many regions of the country. He called on the Somali public and the business community to play an important role in supporting relief efforts for people affected by the drought.