MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mohamud Moallim, held a high-level meeting with U.S. Ambassador Richard H. Riley IV at the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu to discuss the strengthening of the humanitarian alliance between Somalia and the United States.
The discussions focused on the critical need to address recurring climate shocks affecting the nation. During the meeting, Ambassador Riley gave firm assurances to the Commissioner that the United States would continue to work closely with SoDMA to assist those currently affected by severe droughts across the country. The Ambassador reaffirmed that supporting vulnerable populations remains a top priority for the U.S. mission in Somalia.
The United States stands as Somalia’s largest humanitarian donor. Over the past decade, the U.S. government has contributed more than USD 7 billion in humanitarian and development aid. This partnership proved decisive during the severe 2022 drought, when the United States provided USD 1.3 billion in emergency funding including over USD 700 million in direct humanitarian support playing a central role in preventing famine and delivering essential life-saving assistance.
Beyond direct aid, the U.S. Embassy has consistently advocated for Somalia during crises, helping to mobilize broader international support. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to collaboration, moving beyond emergency response to focus on building long-term resilience for communities prone to climatic disasters.
SoDMA expressed deep gratitude for the sustained generosity of the United States, noting that this partnership is essential for the protection and recovery of the Somali people.
