Galkayo, Somalia – SONNA – The Federal Republic of Somalia has launched a high-level Country Humanitarian Forum in Galkayo, Galmudug State, bringing together government leaders, UN agencies, and international partners to tackle the nation’s worsening humanitarian emergency while showcasing progress on national digital transformation.
Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) Commissioner Mohamud Moalim Abdulle opened the proceedings by stating, “It is a great honor for us to participate today in this important humanitarian conference taking place in the city of Galkayo. This forum will be one in which we discuss relief and humanitarian issues in our country. I am confident we will conclude our discussions today with a concrete position.”
The Director General of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in his statement at the forum said “The Somali National Identification System is secure and efficient, managing a unique 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN) that entitles every registered citizen to a national identity. This system will be in place for a long time and plays a key role in promoting transparency, improving security, and facilitating the digital transformation of national identity management.” The announcement highlights Somalia’s progress in establishing critical governance infrastructure to support both humanitarian operations and long-term development.
Commissioner Abdulle painted a stark picture of Somalia’s multiple crises, describing a “perfect storm” of challenges including failed seasonal rains, looming La Niña effects, mass displacement, and critical funding shortages that have left millions Somalis in urgent need of assistance.
Galmudug State’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs delivered a powerful address that both highlighted the region’s disproportionate challenges and welcomed the newly recognized Federal Member State of SSC-Khatumo. In a direct challenge to the international community, the Minister demanded the UN establish a permanent office in Galmudug’s capital Dhusamareb by 2025.
The forum aims to transform humanitarian response through three key priorities: climate adaptation programs, solutions for 3.8 million IDPs, and improved aid coordination. UN Humanitarian Coordinator George Conway emphasized the need for systemic reform, while the national ID system announcement demonstrated Somalia’s parallel progress on institutional development.
As the forum continues, participants are working to finalize a concrete Galkayo Action Plan expected to include specific timelines for UN operational expansion in Galmudug, new federal-state coordination mechanisms, and urgent funding appeals for climate adaptation programs. With millions of Somali lives at stake, the outcomes of this meeting could prove pivotal in determining the nation’s ability to break its cycle of humanitarian crises.
