MOGADISHU, Somalia – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, visited the headquarters of the National Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. During his inspection of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), the President issued a stern directive to all government agencies to shift their primary operational focus toward drought relief efforts to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
Upon his arrival, the President received a comprehensive strategic briefing from the agency’s technical experts and leadership. The report detailed the alarming spread of the drought, highlighting the most severely affected regions, the rising rates of displacement, and the environmental degradation caused by the crisis. Officials warned that the situation has reached a critical threshold and poses an imminent risk of spiraling into a full-scale famine if immediate intervention is not scaled up.
Responding to the gravity of the situation, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud issued an urgent appeal to the Somali business community, humanitarian organizations, and international partners. He called for a unified national front to mobilize resources and support the vulnerable populations facing acute livelihoods challenges. The President emphasized that collective action is the only viable path to mitigating the human cost of the unfolding climate shock.
To expedite the delivery of essential supplies, the President instructed the Ministry of Finance to immediately waive all taxes on goods and equipment destined for drought relief. This executive order aims to remove bureaucratic hurdles and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without delay. The President reiterated that saving lives remains the administration’s absolute priority during this critical period.
