KUWAIT CITY – A high-level delegation from Somalia, led by Commissioner Mohamud Moalim, head of the Somali Disaster Management Agency, was warmly received in Kuwait on Friday by Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Vice President of the Kuwait Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The visit marked a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties between the two nations, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
The discussions, held in Kuwait City, centered on the urgent need for a coordinated international response to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Somalia. The country has been grappling with severe challenges, including prolonged droughts, recurrent floods, and ongoing conflict, which have displaced millions and left large segments of the population in dire need of aid. Compounding these issues, several international aid agencies have recently suspended their operations in Somalia due to escalating security risks, further straining the country’s ability to deliver essential services.
Commissioner Moalim highlighted the importance of international partnerships in building Somalia’s resilience to disasters. “We are facing unprecedented humanitarian challenges, and the suspension of operations by some agencies has created significant gaps,” Moalim said. “Strengthening our cooperation with Kuwait, which has a proven track record in disaster management, is crucial for us to better serve our people.”
During the talks, both sides explored practical strategies to address the immediate and long-term needs of the Somali population. These included the development of joint disaster preparedness programs, capacity-building initiatives for Somali disaster response teams, and the provision of technical and logistical support from Kuwait. The delegation also discussed ways to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers operating in high-risk areas, a critical concern given the volatile security situation in Somalia.
Brigadier General Al-Qahtani expressed Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to supporting Somalia during this critical period. “Kuwait stands ready to assist our Somali brothers and sisters in their time of need,” he said. “We believe that by working together, we can create sustainable solutions that not only address the current crisis but also strengthen Somalia’s ability to respond to future challenges.”
The meeting also touched on the broader regional implications of Somalia’s humanitarian crisis, with both parties acknowledging the potential for instability to spill over into neighboring countries if left unaddressed. They emphasized the importance of a unified regional approach to disaster management and humanitarian aid, calling for greater collaboration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and East African states.
This visit comes at a time when Somalia is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history. According to United Nations estimates, nearly half of Somalia’s population—approximately 8.3 million people—requires urgent humanitarian assistance. The country is also dealing with the effects of climate change, which have exacerbated food insecurity and water scarcity, further complicating relief efforts.
Kuwait has been a longstanding partner in Somalia’s development, providing financial aid, medical supplies, and technical expertise over the years. Friday’s meeting builds on this history of cooperation and signals a renewed commitment to addressing Somalia’s most pressing challenges.
As the delegation concluded its visit, both sides expressed optimism about the potential for future collaboration. They agreed to establish a joint task force to implement the strategies discussed during the talks, with a focus on delivering tangible results in the coming months. The visit underscores Kuwait’s role as a key ally in Somalia’s efforts to achieve stability and resilience in the face of mounting humanitarian and environmental challenges.
