Somali Prime Minister Strengthens Ties with Qatar Amid Drought Crisis

 

Mogadishu, December 7, 2025 – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre welcomed Qatar’s Ambassador to Somalia, Dr. Abdullah Bin Salim Al Nuaimi, at his office this past Sunday in a meeting aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and discussing ongoing humanitarian efforts, particularly drought relief operations.

The meeting comes at a critical time for Somalia, as the nation continues to face one of its most severe droughts in recent years, affecting over 4.4 million citizens across multiple regions. Water scarcity, failed crops, and livestock losses have left millions at risk of food insecurity. Addressing the humanitarian crisis was a primary focus during discussions between Prime Minister Barre and Ambassador Al Nuaimi.

Prime Minister Barre expressed his gratitude to the Qatari government for its longstanding support of Somalia’s state-building and development efforts. “Qatar has been a reliable partner, consistently providing humanitarian assistance during our times of need. Their responsiveness and commitment to helping Somali communities in crisis reflect a true partnership built on trust and solidarity,” Barre said.

The Somali Premier highlighted Qatar’s role in funding and implementing relief programs, particularly those targeting drought-affected populations. These initiatives include emergency food aid, water provision projects, and support for vulnerable households. Barre emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with international partners to ensure aid reaches the communities most in need.

Ambassador Al Nuaimi, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to Somalia, stated that his country remains dedicated to supporting humanitarian and development initiatives. He underscored Qatar’s ongoing contributions to Somalia, promising that Qatar would maintain and even expand its support, particularly in response to the current drought emergency.

The meeting also explored opportunities for deeper economic and infrastructural cooperation between the two nations. Both officials discussed joint development projects, investment in key sectors, and enhanced diplomatic collaboration, which could strengthen Somalia’s stability and growth. Strengthening bilateral ties with Qatar is seen as a strategic move for Somalia to diversify international partnerships and attract support for sustainable development.

Somalia’s federal government has been actively engaging with neighboring countries, regional partners, and international organizations to coordinate drought relief and other humanitarian aid. The collaboration with Qatar complements ongoing efforts by UN agencies and NGOs to provide water, food, and healthcare support in drought-stricken areas. These joint initiatives aim not only to address immediate humanitarian needs but also to improve long-term resilience against recurring climatic shocks.

The Prime Minister-Ambassador meeting sends a strong signal of international solidarity and the shared commitment of both nations to alleviate human suffering while promoting Somalia’s reconstruction and development. It also reinforces Qatar’s role as a key partner in Somalia’s humanitarian and economic landscape.

As the drought continues to challenge millions of Somali citizens, partnerships like the one with Qatar remain essential. With sustained international cooperation, Somalia can navigate the crisis, mitigate its impact on vulnerable communities, and advance its development goals for a more stable and prosperous future.