Mogadishu, (SONNA): The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) hosted a consultation meeting with traditional Somali clan elders. The gathering, held at the SoDMA headquarters, aimed to discuss and strategize on conflict prevention, self-sufficiency, governance enhancement, and the safety of humanitarian workers.
Mr. Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle, Commissioner of SoDMA, extended a warm welcome to the traditional Somali leaders. He highlighted the critical role these elders play in peace efforts, dialogue, and social reconciliation. Mr. Abdulle emphasized that this meeting presents a crucial opportunity to prevent conflicts that often lead to humanitarian crises and man-made disasters.
Dr. Ahmed Abdi Adan, Deputy Chairman of SoDMA, echoed these sentiments in his speech. He lauded the community’s role in peacemaking and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of culture in reinforcing peace. Dr. Adan called for cultural practices to be leveraged to avoid violence and to implement projects that build resilience and benefit from government services.
The assembly of leaders expressed their appreciation for SoDMA’s efforts. They commended the Authority’s dedication to the Somali people, acknowledging the importance of collaboration between society and government institutions. The leaders stressed that such cooperation is vital for addressing the country’s challenges, particularly the ongoing conflicts, drought, and other disasters.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting The consultation culminated in four key agreements between SoDMA and the elders:
- Unified Efforts: All stakeholders are to work together to resolve active conflicts and address underlying grievances.
- Promotion of Production: Support and promotion of agriculture and other productions to mitigate food scarcity.
- Humanitarian Protection: Ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers regardless of the conflict situations.
- Targeted Aid: Commitment to delivering aid to those who most need it.
This meeting signifies a crucial step towards a peaceful and self-reliant Somalia. By uniting traditional leaders and government authorities, SoDMA is fostering a collaborative effort to address and overcome the nation’s challenges. The focus on conflict resolution, agricultural support, protection of humanitarian workers, and targeted aid delivery highlights a comprehensive approach to building resilience and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
