Mogadishu, Somalia — The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) convened a crucial meeting today to strategize and coordinate responses to the anticipated La-Niña induced drought, under the leadership of Commissioner Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle. The gathering at SoDMA’s headquarters marked an important moment in the nation’s proactive drought mitigation efforts.
The initial segment of this two-part meeting concentrated on drought prevention and public awareness initiatives, emphasizing ways to safeguard communities and detailed government-led disaster response plans. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strong leadership and effective coordination, particularly with the Unified Social Registry (USR) system under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
The meeting saw participation from key stakeholders, including United Nations humanitarian and development agencies, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. In the second segment, Commissioner Abdulle engaged with George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, alongside representatives from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). They delved into preparations for the upcoming Country Humanitarian Forum in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug.
Commissioner Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle made a compelling call to international and development agencies to brace for the La-Niña drought. He urged them to collaborate closely with SoDMA and related entities to minimize the drought’s adverse effects on Somalia’s economy and the lives of vulnerable populations.
SoDMA aims to mitigate potential impacts through strategic planning and robust international cooperation. The agency’s efforts show Somalia’s commitment to resilience and preparedness in the face of environmental challenges.