MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — The Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) hosted the inauguration ceremony for the fourth phase of the Food Security Project, funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), at its headquarters in Mogadishu on Thursday, September 4, 2025. This project aims to provide relief to more than 805,000 people affected by drought and natural disasters by distributing 5,085 tons of food aid.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in addition to staff from the Disaster Management Agency, underscoring the importance of joint cooperation in delivering humanitarian aid.

Speeches

The ceremony began with a speech by the Saudi Ambassador to Somalia, Ambassador Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Muwalled, who affirmed that this project aims to support displaced persons and the most vulnerable groups affected by the drought waves that have significantly impacted food security.

He noted that this project is one of several implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Somalia, commending the continuous efforts of the Saudi leadership in providing everything necessary to support the brotherly Somali people.

He stressed that the Kingdom has always been a pioneer in supporting and assisting Somalia. He concluded his speech by extending his sincere thanks and appreciation to all who have adopted this project through support, implementation, supervision, and follow-up, wishing everyone success.

In his address, the Director of KSrelief’s Africa Branch, Mr. Yazeed Abdullah Hamoud, stated that this project is part of a package of programs and projects implemented by the Centre in the Federal Republic of Somalia, including initiatives in health, education, food security, water, and protection.

He affirmed that these life-saving interventions include the distribution of more than 137,000 food baskets weighing approximately 5,000 tons, covering all regions of Somalia and targeting around 850,000 beneficiaries, as part of a comprehensive intervention aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected families.

For his part, the Executive Director of the Tadamun Social Society (TASS), Mr. Abdirahman Abdirisak, praised the generous support from KSrelief. He affirmed that the society, as the implementing partner for the project, will work to ensure that food aid reaches thousands of affected families, giving them hope in facing increasing humanitarian challenges.

In turn, the Ambassador of the League of Arab States, Ambassador Abdullah Al-utaybi, expressed the League’s deep appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in humanitarian work, confirming that “the Kingdom has never hesitated to extend a helping hand to its brothers in Somalia, and that this project represents a living embodiment of the values of Arab and Islamic solidarity, strengthening development and stability efforts in the region.”

The Director-General of the OIC Regional Mission, Ambassador Mohamed Bamba Mohamed Bobah, also commended the humanitarian efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that this relief initiative comes within the framework of joint cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and KSrelief, serving common interests and strengthening Islamic humanitarian work.

In a speech by the Representative of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Mr. Blaise Kabongo, he stressed that “this support is a crucial step in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Somalia, and that OCHA’s partnership with KSrelief reflects the utmost importance of international cooperation in ensuring that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable groups, providing relief in a timely and most efficient manner possible.”

The ceremony concluded with a speech by the Commissioner of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mohamud Moallim Abdulle, who expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to KSrelief and all international partners for their efforts.

He affirmed that the project enhances Somalia’s capacity in the field of food security for those affected by drought, noting the importance of this project in alleviating the humanitarian suffering caused by natural disasters and confirming that it contributes effectively to helping affected families regain their normal lives and overcome difficult situations.

Additional Information on the Project and Saudi Support for Somalia

The budget allocated for this project is $6,406,033.44, which reflects the generous support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This project is part of a comprehensive package of interventions implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) in Somalia, aimed at improving the living conditions of the Somali people.

The total value of humanitarian and relief projects funded and executed by the Centre in Somalia to date has reached $248 million, covering various sectors such as health, education, food security, water, and protection.