SoDMA and UK Discuss Climate Change Risks and El Niño Preparedness

MOGADISHU — The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle, has held a meeting with the UK’s Development Director, Chris Pycroft, to discuss the humanitarian situation in Somalia, the risks associated with climate change and the El Niño forecast, and ways to strengthen Somalia’s disaster preparedness and response capacity.

The UK Development Director reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to continued support for Somalia and its vulnerable communities, particularly during periods of humanitarian crises and climate-related risks.

Commissioner Abdulle expressed gratitude to the UK government for its continued support to Somalia, particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, disaster preparedness, and strengthening community resilience.

To date, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been a key partner in Somalia’s humanitarian response. The UK is among the largest bilateral donors, having allocated approximately $243.3 million to humanitarian aid in Somalia since 2023. The UK has also deployed humanitarian experts to SoDMA to strengthen disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and response coordination.

Strengthening Somalia-UK Cooperation on Climate Resilience

The meeting reflects the ongoing partnership between Somalia and the United Kingdom on climate adaptation and disaster management. The UK has been a key supporter of Somalia’s efforts to build resilience against climate shocks, including drought and flooding, which have become increasingly frequent and severe in recent years.

The UK has previously provided $9 million to Somalia for drought response, enabling the country to respond more effectively to the effects of drought through the ADRiFi project run by the African Development Bank.

The UK has also announced £5 million in additional funding to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), reinforcing its commitment to Somalia’s security and stability.

The UK has expressed readiness to help establish a new peacebuilding operation in Somalia, with FCDO Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, holding talks with Somalia’s National Security Advisor to discuss supporting a new phase of peacebuilding in the country.

The UK has also supported the GASHAAN project in Kismayo, launching a new Women and Girls Safe Space to provide critical services including psychosocial support, legal aid referrals, skills training, and awareness-raising on gender-based violence prevention.

The UK’s FCDO has signed agreements with USAID to increase joint support to Somalia, focusing on education, security, private sector development, and building resilience to drought.

Critical Note

While the meeting between SoDMA and the UK Development Director reflects the continued commitment of international partners to supporting Somalia’s climate resilience efforts, the scale of the challenges facing the country demands sustained and increased funding. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan remains critically underfunded, and the anticipated El Niño rains are expected to bring widespread flooding and displacement.

The government’s ability to coordinate effectively with international partners and ensure that aid reaches those most in need will be a critical test of its disaster management capacity. Furthermore, the effectiveness of climate adaptation efforts will depend on sustained investment in early warning systems, infrastructure, and community resilience programmes. Without such investments, the cycle of crisis and response will continue, with the Somali people bearing the heaviest burden.