Somalia’s Disaster Agency and UN Discuss Drought Preparedness and Aid Coordination

 

Mogadishu, Somalia — October 7, 2025

Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the United Nations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration on drought preparedness, humanitarian response, and long-term resilience-building. This comes amid growing fears of a potential drought during the upcoming Deyr rainy season, which could worsen the plight of millions already struggling with food insecurity and displacement.

The head of SoDMA, Mahamud Moallim Abdille, met on Monday with Georg Conway, the UN’s top humanitarian coordinator in Somalia, at SoDMA headquarters in Mogadishu. The high-level meeting focused on emergency preparedness, aid coordination, and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate-related shocks.

Focus on Early Preparedness

During the meeting, both parties emphasized the urgent need for contingency planning in anticipation of below-average rainfall forecasts. Droughts in Somalia often lead to devastating humanitarian consequences — including loss of livestock, crop failure, and forced displacement — making early preparedness crucial to minimizing future suffering.

“The lessons from past droughts show that early planning and coordinated action save lives and resources,” said Mahamud Moallim. “Our goal is to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the most vulnerable before conditions deteriorate.”

The Deyr season, typically running from October to December, is a critical period for Somalia’s rain-fed agriculture. A poor rainy season could trigger another humanitarian crisis in rural areas already weakened by recurrent droughts, flooding, and conflict.

Mobilizing Local and International Support

Officials also discussed strategies for mobilizing funding at both national and international levels. A major point of discussion was the National Humanitarian Fund (NHF) — a new mechanism established by the Somali Federal Government to streamline aid delivery, reduce duplication, and ensure that resources reach those most in need.

The NHF is expected to play a key role in aligning donor support with government priorities, providing a transparent channel for humanitarian funding, and strengthening accountability in aid distribution.

“Somalia has made significant progress in building national systems that can respond to crises more effectively,” noted Georg Conway. “Partnership with the UN and other international actors remains essential in ensuring that no community is left behind.”

Strengthening Coordination and Aid Delivery

In a joint statement, SoDMA and the UN emphasized the importance of timely and effective delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly to hard-to-reach and conflict-affected regions. Both sides agreed to enhance coordination between federal and regional authorities, local NGOs, and international agencies.

“Ensuring timely and effective delivery of aid to hard-to-reach areas is essential as climate-related shocks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods,” the statement read.

The monthly coordination meeting is part of ongoing efforts to build Somalia’s resilience against humanitarian crises driven by climate change, prolonged conflict, and large-scale displacement. It also aligns with the government’s broader National Disaster Risk Management Strategy, which aims to reduce disaster vulnerability through proactive risk assessment, preparedness, and community engagement.

A Call for Sustainable Solutions

Experts warn that Somalia remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, with over 70% of the population dependent on rain-fed livelihoods. The increasing frequency of droughts and floods underscores the need for sustainable water management, climate adaptation programs, and investment in community resilience.

Both SoDMA and the UN reiterated their shared vision of shifting from crisis response to long-term recovery and resilience. They stressed that addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises — including poverty, weak infrastructure, and climate vulnerability — is essential to breaking the cycle of dependency on emergency aid.

Looking Ahead

As Somalia braces for an uncertain Deyr season, the partnership between the government and international organizations like the UN remains crucial. The coordination between SoDMA, humanitarian actors, and donors will determine how effectively Somalia can withstand yet another test of resilience in the face of climate change.

For now, the message from Mogadishu is clear: prevention, preparedness, and partnership will be key to protecting Somali lives and livelihoods in the months ahead.