MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) officially handed over a cash donation of $700,000 to the Awdal regional drought relief committee at its headquarters. This is part of a national effort to intensify humanitarian aid for people affected by the drought. The funds are a combined contribution from the Somali Cabinet ($500,000) and the Banadir Regional Administration ($200,000), demonstrating a unified governmental response to the crisis.

The Commissioner of the Agency, Mohamud Moallim Abdulle, emphasized that the donation is “a beginning, not an end,” and urged all stakeholders to redouble their efforts, stressing that government aid alone is not enough to solve the crisis.

Senior officials who attended the ceremony included the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Dr. Elmi Mohamud Nur, who stated that the support reflects the central government’s empathy for citizens across all regions. The Deputy Minister of Internal Security, Mohamed Ali Hagaa, also spoke, noting that humanitarian work is a national duty.

Other officials present, including the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Care, Dr. Mohamed Hassan Bulaale, and the Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Abdiwahab Abdi Omar (Ana-nug), and Member of Parliament Asha Koos Mohamud, collectively praised the government leadership and the Banadir Regional Administration—specifically Governor Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab)—for their strong support of the people of Awdal.

This initiative reinforces SoDMA’s role as the leading national agency for coordinating and managing humanitarian aid. SoDMA also affirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with all sectors of society to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable response to urgent needs.