MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) convened a significant workshop with Somali Traditional Elders on Friday, aimed at developing strategies to promote peace, enhance self-sufficiency, and decrease the nation’s dependence on humanitarian aid.
The gathering took place at SoDMA’s headquarters in Mogadishu, with a primary focus on bolstering governance structures and ensuring that aid distribution is both effective and reaches the intended recipients.
During the workshop, traditional leaders voiced their appreciation for SoDMA’s ongoing efforts in aiding the Somali populace. They expressed a positive outlook towards the upcoming conference, which they believe will strengthen the ties between community groups and public institutions, enabling a more coordinated response to issues like civil unrest and the persistent challenge of drought.
“It was an honor to host traditional elders at our SoDMA headquarters. Together, we are addressing conflict, promoting agriculture, protecting humanitarian workers, and ensuring aid reaches those in need,” stated Mohamud Moalim, the head of SoDMA. His comments underscored the collaborative spirit of the meeting, highlighting the dual focus on immediate relief and long-term development.
The workshop highlighted several key areas of cooperation, including:
Conflict Resolution: Elders and SoDMA officials discussed traditional methods of mediation and peace-building to resolve local disputes, aiming to reduce the instances of civil strife that often disrupt aid distribution and development projects.
Agricultural Development: Emphasis was placed on initiatives to boost agricultural productivity as a means of fostering self-sufficiency. This includes support for local farmers through training, improved access to seeds, and water management projects, which are critical in a country often plagued by drought.
Protection of Aid Workers: Discussions also covered the safety of those delivering humanitarian assistance, with strategies proposed to enhance protection mechanisms for these vital workers amidst ongoing security challenges.
Effective Aid Distribution: A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to refining the mechanisms through which aid is distributed, ensuring transparency, accountability, and that the aid reaches the most vulnerable populations efficiently.
The collaboration between SoDMA and the Traditional Elders represents a holistic approach to tackling Somalia’s multifaceted challenges, combining traditional wisdom with modern governance practices. This partnership is seen as a beacon of hope for sustainable development and peace in a region where both have been historically elusive.
