Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the World Bank today affirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing partnerships and advancing disaster preparedness and recovery efforts in Somalia. A virtual meeting was held between SoDMA Commissioner Mr. Mahmoud Moallim Abdulle and senior SoDMA officials, and Kristina Svensson, the World Bank Country Manager for Somalia.
The meeting highlighted the significant impact of the Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (SCRP), a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s capacity to address humanitarian crises and build resilience. Key achievements under the SCRP were underscored, including the successful establishment and operationalization of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) and the successfully trialed Early Warning System. Both initiatives are crucial steps in bolstering Somalia’s ability to respond effectively to potential disasters.
Commissioner Abdulle reaffirmed SoDMA’s role as Somalia’s leading agency for disaster risk reduction. He emphasized the critical need to scale up recovery efforts, particularly in regions devastated by the recent El Niño floods, which have caused widespread displacement and damage.
The Commissioner expressed his sincere gratitude to the World Bank for its support, partnership, and long-term collaboration with SoDMA. He conveyed his hope for continued cooperation to foster a more resilient Somalia capable of mitigating the impacts of future shocks.
The World Bank has been a key partner in Somalia’s efforts to address disaster risks, providing substantial financing and technical support through various projects, including the SCRP. These efforts aim to not only provide immediate relief but also to build long-term resilience through investments in infrastructure, improved hydromet services, and diversified disaster risk financing.
