ICRC and Galmudug Discuss Water Scarcity and Humanitarian Needs in Central Somalia

DHUSAMAREB – The Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Galmudug State, Abdullahi Mohamed Dahir, held a high-level meeting today with officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address the critical humanitarian situation and essential service needs in parts of the region.

The meeting focused on pressing issues related to water scarcity, lack of electricity and limited healthcare services, which have severely impacted communities living in areas with inadequate infrastructure. The discussions come as Galmudug continues to grapple with the effects of recurring droughts and climate shocks that have devastated livelihoods across the region.

Focus on Water Scarcity and Basic Services

Minister Dahir highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to address the water crisis in Galmudug, where severe drought conditions have significantly impacted communities and livestock in multiple districts. Authorities have emphasized that diminished water resources, depleted grazing lands and deteriorating animal health have created substantial pressure on local livelihoods.

The ICRC has a longstanding presence in Somalia and has been actively involved in water infrastructure projects across the country. The organisation has rehabilitated boreholes in drought-hit regions and provided equipment to local authorities for further water infrastructure repairs. In Galmudug specifically, the ICRC has previously supported water access projects, including the rehabilitation of wells that provide drinking water to thousands of people.

Broader Stabilisation and Recovery Efforts

The meeting with ICRC officials is part of broader efforts to strengthen governance and service delivery in Galmudug. The Galmudug Ministry of Water and Energy has previously worked alongside other line ministries, including those responsible for justice, internal security and youth, alongside development partners to advance stabilisation, peacebuilding and access to justice in recovering communities.

Discussions have focused on enhancing coordination among line ministries and partners to ensure that stabilisation efforts extend beyond security gains and translate into improved access to justice, public services, youth engagement, water access, effective local administration and community-centred development.

Galmudug’s Water and Energy Challenges

Galmudug State has been at the forefront of efforts to address water and energy challenges in central Somalia. The regional administration has previously provided water trucking services to drought-affected residents, deploying water trucks to different parts of the region to provide residents with access to clean and safe water.

The Galmudug Ministry of Relief has appealed for immediate humanitarian support to aid affected residents, underlining the necessity of collaborative initiatives to deliver water provisions, sustenance supplies and crisis relief services. Federal agencies, such as the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), have dispatched essential aid supplies to districts in Galmudug to mitigate the impact, but local authorities warn that more resources are needed as the dry season continues.

Way Forward

The meeting between Minister Dahir and ICRC officials represents a step toward strengthening cooperation between Galmudug State and international humanitarian organisations to address the region’s most pressing needs. The discussions are expected to inform future interventions aimed at improving water access, electricity and healthcare services in underserved communities.

As Galmudug continues to face the compounded challenges of drought, displacement and limited infrastructure, sustained engagement with partners such as the ICRC will be essential to building resilience and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to basic services.