MOGADISHU: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday received a high-level delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) at his office, led by Matthew Hollingworth, Assistant Executive Director for Programme. The discussion centered on developing sustainable approaches to persistent challenges, including food insecurity, drought, flooding, and their widespread effects throughout the nation.
The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the overall conditions in Somalia, emphasizing advancements in security, politics, and development, along with the drought impacts that have led to food scarcity. He stressed the need for long-term solutions, particularly as the country approaches the rainy season, and called for joint efforts to assist pastoralists and farmers in enhancing productivity and decreasing dependence on external assistance. Hamza conveyed appreciation for WFP’s ongoing support, noting that Somalia is emerging from extended periods of crisis. He also highlighted that authorities have formulated strategies targeting the root causes of food insecurity and achieving self-reliance, urging international partners to back these initiatives.
In response, WFP representatives praised the government’s achievements in addressing recurring food security issues and reaffirmed their dedication to supporting Somalia’s objectives for sustainable development and diminished reliance on humanitarian aid.
The meeting took place as the WFP faces a severe funding shortfall. The UN agency is urgently appealing for $95 million to sustain critical food and nutrition operations in Somalia through August 2026, warning that its lifesaving programs could be forced to shut down without immediate funding. Already, the number of emergency food aid recipients has fallen from 2.2 million in early 2025 to just over 600,000 currently. The latest talks align with earlier discussions this week between Planning Minister Mohamud BeeneBeene and the same WFP delegation on harmonizing the agency’s Country Strategic Plan with the government’s National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025-2029, reinforcing national systems and increasing resource mobilization during a period of declining global assistance.
