MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a gesture of international solidarity, the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) received a substantial aid package from the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. The donation, amounting to 700 tonnes of food, was handed over by UAE Ambassador Ahmed Juma Al-Rumaysi during a ceremony in Mogadishu on Wednesday.
This contribution is aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations in Somalia who are grappling with the harsh effects of an ongoing drought that has severely impacted agriculture, water supplies, and livelihoods.
The donation includes essential food items like rice, wheat flour, sugar, and cooking oil, which are critical in a region where food insecurity has escalated due to prolonged drought conditions.
In a strategic move to ensure that aid reaches those in remote and hard-to-access areas, an additional 200 tonnes of food have been strategically stored in SoDMA’s warehouses. These reserves are specifically designated for areas that can be reached by land transport, notably including the Banadir region, which encompasses the capital, Mogadishu. This planning reflects a proactive approach to disaster management, aiming to expedite the distribution process and ensure that aid reaches those in dire need without delay.
During the handover event, SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moalim expressed profound gratitude towards the UAE government for their consistent support. “This generous donation from our brothers in the UAE not only provides immediate relief but also signifies a strong partnership aimed at fostering long-term development and stability within Somalia,” Moalim stated.
He highlighted the positive developmental impact of UAE’s involvement in Somalia, mentioning previous aid initiatives, infrastructure projects, and capacity-building programs that have all contributed to the socio-economic recovery and resilience of Somali communities.
This aid comes at a crucial time as Somalia faces one of its worst droughts in decades, leading to widespread food scarcity, malnutrition, and displacement.
The UAE’s donation is part of a broader international effort to support Somalia, but it also underscores the bilateral relations between the two countries, promoting further cooperation in humanitarian efforts, security, and economic development.
The food aid is expected to benefit thousands of Somali families, offering a lifeline to those on the brink of starvation and helping to mitigate the immediate impacts of the drought while longer-term solutions like water conservation and agricultural recovery programs are developed.
