MOGADISHU — The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) Commissioner, Mahmoud Moallin Abdulle, hosted a high-level delegation from Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Ms. Marit Fikke, at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) in the capital.
Addressing the Escalating Drought Crisis
The central focus of the diplomatic discussion was the rapidly deteriorating drought situation. Official assessments indicate the crisis is now severely affecting over 74 districts across the country, placing vulnerable communities in immediate need of life-saving humanitarian aid. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for international backing to supplement domestic interventions, such as the government’s recent move to issue $3.88 million in drought insurance payouts to affected pastoralists.
During the exchange, Ms. Marit Fikke praised SoDMA’s ongoing domestic initiatives. She specifically highlighted the agency’s robust emergency response operations that are currently supporting communities devastated by the prolonged dry spells and other severe natural calamities—efforts that recently included SoDMA delivering 125 water tankers to drought committees in the Galmudug State.
Norway’s Continued Humanitarian Support
Commissioner Mahmoud Moallin Abdulle officially thanked the Government of Norway for its consistent and vital backing of Somalia, particularly in the realm of humanitarian assistance. He noted that Norway remains a key international partner standing with Somalia, working alongside other Nordic allies who are actively supporting the nation’s state-building and climate resilience processes.
The Commissioner concluded the meeting at the NEOC by expressing strong optimism for enhanced, long-term strategic collaboration between both parties to mitigate the ongoing climate emergency.
