Mogadishu (AX) — China has donated $1 million to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) to bolster drought relief as seasonal rains falter and food insecurity deepens across the country, Somali and Chinese officials said Monday.
Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu formally handed over the contribution during a high-level meeting hosted by SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moalim Abdulle in Mogadishu. Wang said the aid reflects Beijing’s commitment to stand by Somalia “during these difficult times,” citing the “principle of sincerity and good faith” put forward by President Xi Jinping.
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“The droughts have caused large-scale displacement and suffering in the country,” Wang said, adding that China “will do our part.” He noted he had met earlier with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to discuss deeper cooperation on climate-related disasters and praised SoDMA’s growing institutional capacity to manage emergency response.
The ambassador encouraged SoDMA staff to take part in future exchange programs, underscoring that Beijing’s support would include knowledge-sharing and training alongside financial assistance.
Commissioner Moalim welcomed the donation, describing China as a “brotherly country” that consistently turns pledges into action. “This is the first respondent to our outcry,” he said, referring to SoDMA’s warnings about failing seasonal rains. “We thank the brotherly country of China for their rapid response to the drought. They have actively engaged in both development and humanitarian sectors in the country.”
Beyond the $1 million transfer, Moalim highlighted Beijing’s role in constructing SoDMA’s federal state centers and warehouses—critical infrastructure for storing and delivering emergency supplies during crises.
According to SoDMA, current rainfall is dangerously below seasonal requirements. While at least 45 millimeters of rain are needed for successful farming, most regions have received less than 10 millimeters, devastating crop production and placing millions at risk of severe food insecurity. The agency has cautioned that prolonged deficits could accelerate displacement and strain already limited water resources.
SoDMA said the Chinese funds will support drought-affected communities nationwide as the agency scales up emergency actions. Officials emphasized that strengthening logistics, storage and rapid distribution capacity is central to reaching hard-hit rural areas before conditions worsen.
Monday’s handover adds to a series of diplomatic and humanitarian engagements between Somali authorities and China focused on resilience and disaster management. Wang voiced confidence that SoDMA will “work tirelessly to help the country out of these difficult times and move them to better times,” while Somali officials framed the contribution as an early lifeline at a critical moment in the season.
With cumulative rainfall still far below needs, SoDMA said it is continuing to coordinate with donors and federal and state agencies to pre-position supplies and monitor evolving risks. The agency urged sustained support to keep response pipelines open, warning that a delayed or weak rainy season could push more families into acute need.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
