Interior Minister Opens 3rd Somalia Disaster Resilience Conference in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, officially opened the 3rd Somalia Disaster Resilience Conference in Mogadishu, stressing the need for Somalia to shift from emergency response towards long-term disaster preparedness and resilience.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Ali Hosh said the gathering comes at a critical time as Somalia emerges from drought while facing the risk of flooding. He noted that recurring droughts and seasonal floods have caused displacement, environmental degradation, food insecurity and poverty across the country.

The Minister highlighted the significant variation in Somalia’s rainfall patterns, saying periods of heavy rainfall and prolonged dry spells continue to pose challenges to national planning, with authorities frequently having to alternate between responding to drought and preparing for floods.

“It is important that we move beyond emergency response and instead strengthen prevention, preparedness, sustainable recovery and long-term resilience,” Minister Ali Hosh said.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a national system capable of preventing and responding effectively to disasters.

The Minister also expressed hope that discussions, research and recommendations presented at the conference would contribute to shaping government policies, plans and decision-making on disaster resilience.

H.E. Ali Hosh thanked the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mogadishu University, partners, researchers and all those who contributed to organising the conference.