Mogadishu, Somalia – January 5, 2025: The newly-appointed Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Major General Bashir Mohamed Abdi, fondly known as Bashiir Goobbe, marked his first day in office with a visit to the headquarters of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). This significant visit shows the critical collaboration between the Ministry and SoDMA in addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing Somalia.
Mr. Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle, the Commissioner of SoDMA, warmly welcomed Minister Bashir to the agency’s headquarters. During the visit, Minister Bashir received an extensive briefing on the operations of the National Center for the Provision of Disaster Risk Reduction. The briefing also highlighted the initial drought conditions currently affecting multiple regions across the country, emphasizing the urgency and importance of proactive disaster risk management.
Commissioner Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Minister Bashir on his new appointment. He conveyed his best wishes for the Minister’s success and emphasized the importance of maintaining close cooperation between the Ministry and SoDMA. The Commissioner reiterated the agency’s commitment to working collaboratively to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters on the Somali population.
Minister Bashir, in response, pledged to foster a genuine partnership with SoDMA. He acknowledged the crucial role of the agency in disaster risk reduction and affirmed his dedication to supporting and enhancing these efforts through strategic collaboration and resource mobilization.
The meeting between Minister Bashir and Commissioner Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle sets a promising tone for the future of environmental and disaster management initiatives in Somalia. As the country continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the partnership between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and SoDMA will be crucial in building resilience and safeguarding communities.
