Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has officially launched a three-day consultative workshop in Mogadishu. The gathering focuses on strengthening the investigation procedures and prevention of humanitarian aid diversion.
The conference brings together representatives from SoDMA and various state governments to engage in a comprehensive discussion on the issue. The sessions are designed to enhance the capacity of staff to effectively identify and respond to cases of aid diversion. A central goal is to create unified procedures that promote greater transparency and accountability across all humanitarian operations.
Mr. Abdisalam Abdullahi Farah, Director of Aid Affairs for Galmudug’s Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management, emphasized the gravity of the challenge, stating that aid diversion is a major obstacle that directly impedes humanitarian efforts. He highlighted that the program provides the necessary tools and techniques to effectively combat this issue.
Adding to this, Mr. Said Mohamed Adan, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management of the Southwest State, noted that the partnership is a significant, progressive step forward. He said it will greatly enhance the monitoring and investigation capabilities of humanitarian agencies throughout the country.
The importance of the workshop was further emphasized by Prof. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Adalle, Assistant Commissioner of SoDMA for the Durable Solutions for IDPs Program and a key expert on aid diversion. He stated that the program is a vital pillar of SoDMA’s broader strategy to ensure that humanitarian assistance is delivered directly to the people who need it most.
The workshop represents a major collaborative effort by the Federal Government and international partners to safeguard the integrity of aid distribution and ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations in Somalia.
