Mogadishu, Somalia – The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahmoud Moallim Abdulle, has officially launched a two-day national conference in Mogadishu aimed at establishing a comprehensive national strategy for disaster response. The conference, a pivotal step forward for the Horn of Africa nation, seeks to create a robust framework to proactively manage and mitigate the impacts of future crises.
The conference opening showed the critical importance for Somalia to transition from a reactive approach to a proactive, forward-thinking strategy for disaster management. Participants discussed the necessity of developing a strong operational plan to address disasters before they occur, alongside preparing both national institutions and local communities to minimize the effects of emergencies. This initiative is particularly crucial for a country that frequently contends with natural disasters, including severe droughts and flash floods.
The gathering attracted high-level representatives from key international and regional organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), a member agency of IGAD. The IGAD Ambassador to Somalia was also in attendance, highlighting the broad international and regional collaboration behind the initiative. These organizations have been key partners in supporting Somalia’s efforts to enhance its disaster preparedness capabilities.
In his concluding remarks, SoDMA Commissioner Abdulle characterized the conference as a reflection of the agency’s ongoing commitment to strengthening national readiness and prevention measures. He extended his gratitude to the international agencies for their unwavering support to the Somali people, emphasizing that such collaborative efforts are vital for building resilience and ensuring a safer future for the nation.
