MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mahamoud Moallim Abdulle, convened a critical strategic meeting today with the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and various local aid organizations to address the severe drought currently affecting all regions of Somalia.

The high-level session focused on the urgent need for a cohesive and rapid national response to the escalating climate crisis. Commissioner Abdulle highlighted that the drought has reached a critical stage, severely impacting livelihoods and water security across the country.

During his address, the Commissioner conveyed the deep concern expressed by President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre regarding the humanitarian outlook. He reiterated the top leadership’s directive for all government agencies to cooperate fully with SoDMA, affirming its mandate as the sole official body responsible for the coordination of aid and disaster response in the country.

“We must move in lockstep to save lives,” Commissioner Abdulle stated. He urged all humanitarian partners to align their operations with SoDMA’s new regulatory frameworks and procedures to ensure a streamlined and effective delivery of aid.

The Commissioner also addressed the challenges posed by a global reduction in donor funding, noting that the decrease in financial support has significantly paralyzed ongoing drought mitigation efforts. To counter this, he called for:

• Immediate and inclusive planning involving all stakeholders.

• Predictable funding mechanisms from both domestic and international sources.

• Strategic restructuring of support programs to prioritize the most vulnerable districts.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of a unified front to mobilize resources and implement rapid interventions before the situation deteriorates further.