Somali Disaster Management Agency, UN Assess Humanitarian Conditions and Enhance Aid Collaboration

MOGADISHU – The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahmud Moallim Abdulle, and the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Humanitarian Coordinator, George Conway, jointly led the monthly humanitarian coordination meeting in Mogadishu.

The gathering, which included senior officials from SoDMA and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), examined the current humanitarian conditions nationwide and explored methods to enhance relief operations for at-risk populations.

Attendees evaluated prevailing humanitarian difficulties and highlighted the necessity of improving coordination among stakeholders to ensure prompt and efficient support reaches communities affected by multiple crises. Commissioner Mahmud Moallim Abdulle addressed the meeting, stressing the importance of regular coordination in facilitating effective humanitarian aid delivery, and emphasized the need for sustained partnership to address the requirements of populations facing drought, displacement, and other humanitarian issues.

Strengthening Joint Humanitarian Efforts

The Commissioner of SoDMA, Mahamuud Moallim, has previously met with George Conway and Crispen Rukasha from OCHA Somalia to address the country’s ongoing humanitarian challenges and enhance collaboration on relief efforts. In January 2025, SoDMA and the UN jointly launched the 2025 Humanitarian Needs Response Plan for Somalia, aiming to assist approximately 5.98 million people in urgent need due to prolonged drought and conflict. The plan required $1.42 billion to provide essential support.

Commissioner Mohamud Moalim has held high-level meetings with UN Humanitarian Coordinator George Conway to coordinate national and international preparedness efforts ahead of the Deyr rainy season. The discussions centered on strengthening early warning systems, improving emergency response mechanisms, and mobilizing humanitarian resources to mitigate the risk of drought and flooding. Commissioner Moalim reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing coordination with international partners to ensure timely delivery of life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities.

Field Assessments and Drought Response

A team headed by SoDMA Commissioner Mahmoud Moallim Abdulle landed in Kismayo, the Lower Jubba regional capital, to examine the consequences of the persistent drought impacting the nation. The mission comprised delegates from humanitarian agencies and included Deputy Special Representative George Conway. Over the course of their visit, the team planned to visit multiple internally displaced persons settlements near Kismayo to assess living conditions and humanitarian difficulties confronting displaced communities.

Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle chaired a high-level coordination meeting bringing together key international donors, UN agencies, and government partners to address the escalating drought crisis in Northern Somalia. Held at the SoDMA headquarters in Mogadishu, the meeting focused on responding to intensifying humanitarian needs, evaluating Somalia’s national disaster risk management framework, and strengthening the government’s institutional capacity for emergency preparedness and response. Moallim expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions in the northern regions, particularly in parts of Puntland and Somaliland, where water shortages, livestock deaths, and rising displacement are placing enormous strain on vulnerable communities.

Re-imagining Humanitarian Partnerships

The Commissioner of SoDMA, Mahamuud Moallim, officially opened the Re-imagining Humanitarian Partnerships Conference in Mogadishu, bringing together key stakeholders to explore new and more effective ways to deliver humanitarian aid in Somalia. The high-level conference sought to strengthen coordination and redefine the relationship between the Somali government and its humanitarian partners. In his opening remarks, Moallim emphasized the urgent need for a shift in humanitarian response mechanisms in Somalia, given the increasingly complex challenges posed by climate change, insecurity, and displacement.

“The situation in Northern Somalia is alarming. Immediate and coordinated action is needed to prevent further suffering and loss of life,” Moallim said. “This meeting is not only about mobilizing support, it is about building lasting systems that help Somalia manage and recover from future climate shocks.”

Humanitarian Leaders Unite in Jowhar

A high-level humanitarian forum opened in Jowhar, bringing together national authorities, international partners, and aid organizations in a concerted effort to strengthen Somalia’s emergency response and resilience planning. Organized by SoDMA, the meeting drew participation from SoDMA Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim, UN Deputy Special Representative George Conway, and senior representatives from humanitarian and development institutions. The discussions centered on improving coordination between state and federal authorities and aligning humanitarian aid with long-term recovery goals.

Looking Ahead

These regular coordination meetings between SoDMA and UN officials underscore the commitment of both parties to collaboratively address Somalia’s humanitarian needs through coordinated relief efforts and strategic planning. The ongoing partnership aims to ensure that vulnerable communities receive timely and effective assistance as the country continues to grapple with the compounded effects of climate shocks, insecurity, and displacement.