North Western State of Somalia Proclaims National Emergency Amid Escalating Drought in Awdal and Salal

FILE – President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro

In Hargeisa, a pressing challenge faces the nation of North Western State of Somalia. On Tuesday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro took a decisive step by declaring a national emergency in response to severe drought conditions that threaten the very fabric of lives and livelihoods across multiple regions. Most notably, the regions of Awdal and Salal in North Western State of Somalia’s western territory have been hit particularly hard.

In a carefully crafted televised address, President Irro articulated the gravity of the situation. He noted that the government was enacting a national-level drought response plan aimed at addressing what has escalated into the most severe dry spell the nascent republic has endured in the past seven years. “The drought situation is rapidly worsening, and we must act now,” he asserted, calling for the urgent delivery of essential supplies—food, clean water, medicine—to communities that have been battered by the relentless absence of rainfall.

During his address, he emphasized the importance of collective responsibility: “The government has prepared a coordinated response, but we are calling on the private sector and development partners to join us. This is a national responsibility.” This message serves not only as a rallying cry but also as a poignant reminder of how interconnected our fates are, especially in the face of natural disasters.

The drought’s impact on the western regions is palpable and penetrating. Awdal and Salal, once endowed with lush grazing lands, now showcase barren landscapes where water sources have dried up. Pastoralist communities—who have long relied on the rhythm of nature for their sustenance—are facing unprecedented challenges. It is difficult to fathom the level of anguish when families are displaced in search of water and pasture, and we are left to ponder: What does it mean to lose not simply livestock but also the very essence of one’s livelihood?

Compounding the already dire circumstances is the twin blow of failed Gu rains earlier this year, alongside an absence of seasonal summer rainfall. Instead of life-giving precipitation, strong, dry winds have swept through, leaving wells and riverbeds parched. In a striking observation, government officials pointed to this alarming pattern as a reflection of growing climate emergencies in the broader Horn of Africa. The area, where economies pivot on rain, finds itself increasingly vulnerable to these catastrophic cycles.

Alarmingly, humanitarian agencies and local aid workers have sounded the alarm that the crisis worsens amid a marked decline in foreign assistance. USAID, an organization that has historically supported drought responses in North Western State of Somalia, recently pulled back its operations, citing a global funding shortfall. This complicates matters significantly. How can a nation effectively respond to an emergency with limited financial resources and logistical capability?

In light of these challenges, officials have initiated mobilization efforts, encouraging regional authorities to assess damage and facilitate the distribution of relief supplies. Yet, the prevailing sentiment remains that a wider, more cohesive strategy is paramount. This includes not just government intervention, but a collective effort from international donors, local businesses, and even the diaspora to avert an impending humanitarian catastrophe.

North Western State of Somalia, having declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 yet remaining unrecognized on an international stage, has had its fair share of cyclical droughts in the past decade. Aid organizations have called for both immediate relief and long-term strategies—such as investing in sustainable water systems and climate-resilient agricultural practices—to bolster resilience against future shocks. It’s a sobering thought: What lasting solutions can be put in place to ensure that future generations do not face the same plight?

As President Irro navigates through these turbulent times, he has pledged to keep a close watch on the evolving situation. As he aptly put it, “Our people are suffering from hunger and thirst. We must come together, as a nation, to meet this challenge head-on.” His words resonate deeply, serving as a clarion call for unity and action.

In this hour of need, we are reminded of the intrinsic threads that bind communities together. Each individual, regardless of their background, has the power to contribute to a collective strength. Whether through a simple act of kindness or significant financial support, all contributions matter. So, as the government takes on this daunting task, the question lingers: How will we all find ways to support our brothers and sisters in North Western State of Somalia during their time of need?

As we reflect on this urgent situation, it becomes clear that navigating such adversity will demand resilience, collaboration, and a collective spirit. Together, perhaps, we can kindle hope amid the desolation.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring