MOGADISHU, Somalia— Somalia has called for stronger regional cooperation as African countries prepare for the expected impacts of the 2026 Super El Niño.
The appeal came during an African Union ministerial meeting on disaster preparedness, where Somalia warned that climate extremes continue to threaten vulnerable communities.
Speaking virtually, Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) Commissioner Mahmoud Moallim Abdulle addressed ministers and development partners from across Africa.
He said Somalia’s location on the eastern edge of the continent means it is often among the first countries affected by El Niño and La Niña.
According to Abdulle, the climate patterns can bring severe flooding, prolonged drought, displacement, food shortages, disease outbreaks and damage to infrastructure.
He urged the African Union, its member states and development partners to improve climate data sharing and strengthen cooperation on disaster preparedness.
Abdulle also called for increased funding for anticipatory action, saying early warnings should be matched with measures that reduce risks before disasters unfold.
He said greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure would help communities cope with increasingly frequent and severe weather linked to climate change.
Transforming early warnings into timely action is essential to protecting lives, livelihoods and property, Abdulle told the meeting.
A communiqué issued after the meeting called for stronger early warning systems, increased financing and greater efforts to reduce disaster risks across Africa.
It also called for the need for closer cooperation among African countries and stronger measures to help communities adapt to climate change.
The meeting endorsed plans for a continental conference before the end of 2026 to mobilise funding for preparedness and response to El Niño.
Reported by Abdirisak Mohamud Turyare
