Hassan Kobac Foundation Delivers Critical Aid of Water and Food to Drought-Affected Villages in Hiiraan
MOGADISHU (Axadle Times) — In the face of one of the most severe droughts the Horn of Africa has witnessed in recent history, the Hassan Kobac Foundation (HKF) emerges as a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to provide critical relief to thousands of struggling families in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia. The relentless sun may parch the land, but the spirit of community shines through as HKF steps up its mission, armed with emergency water trucking assistance and food rations that support those teetering on the edge of survival.
Access to clean water and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. Yet, for an alarming number of communities grappling with the harsh realities of drought, these essentials remain frustratingly out of reach. Consider Farlibaax district, a place particularly stricken by extreme water shortages, where the livelihoods of pastoralists and farmers hang in precarious balance. Here, the earth is cracked and dry, the natural resources that once ensured their survival having slipped away like grains of sand through their fingers. Into this breach steps HKF, determined that no one perishes from thirst or hunger on their watch.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Somalia finds itself caught in the grip of prolonged dry conditions, exacerbated by the October–December 2024 rains failing to materialize. The cumulative effect has worsened the humanitarian crisis across regions such as Gedo, Hiiraan, Bay, Bakool, Mudug, and Bari. For the people, it’s not merely survival; it’s an incessant battle under the scorching heat.
HKF’s humanitarian response has been swift and uncompromising, reaching Farlibaax district with essential aid. Picture, if you will, seven consecutive days where the foundation’s tireless efforts deliver life-saving food and water to those at their most vulnerable.
Consider the voices bringing these efforts to life—a representative from Raasamaal Youth Development speaks of the profound impact: “We received five truckloads of clean water, generously donated by the Hassan Kobac Foundation. This support is truly life-saving. In addition to water, HKF has provided essential food rations, including rice, oil, sugar, and dates to sustain these communities.”
The scene unfolding in Farlibaax is both heartrending and uplifting, a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit. Hundreds of women, children, and the elderly gather, each individual representing a heartbeat of the community, expressing immense gratitude for the water and food they receive. One beneficiary, speaking to Universal TV, voiced the relief of a community on the brink: “We were on the verge of death due to thirst and hunger. But today, thanks to the generosity of the Hassan Kobac Foundation, we can see another day with hope.”
But HKF’s impact extends far beyond Farlibaax. Recently, the foundation organized its seventh annual Ramadan Iftar in Beledweyne, the regional capital of Hiiraan, providing hot meals to fasting individuals and reinforcing solidarity during the holy month. It’s in these acts of kindness that humanity finds its true reflection.
Founded 15 years ago by Hassan Idow Muhumed Kobac, HKF stands steadfast at the forefront of humanitarian assistance in Somalia. As an independent, voluntary, non-profit organization, it focuses on facets crucial to human dignity—education, food distribution, healthcare, support for the disabled, and shelter assistance for the displaced. Yet, perhaps the most tangible impact is in ensuring clean water access, sanitation, and clothing distributions during Islamic holidays for internally displaced persons across the nation.
In reflecting on the profound urgency of this crisis, Hassan Kobac himself reiterated the foundation’s commitment: “The region has been devastated by this drought, and Farlibaax is among the hardest-hit areas. We have provided what we can as a life-saving measure and will continue to do so, but the need is immense. We must do more.”
As climate change and environmental challenges unfailingly threaten Somalia’s fragile humanitarian landscape, organizations like HKF exemplify the profound impact community-driven efforts have in providing relief and preserving dignity. They call upon the international community, donors, and humanitarian agencies to unite against this crisis, to prevent it from claiming further lives.
The narrative of HKF is not solely one of aid delivery; it is a story of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering fight against human suffering. The call to action is clear: Somalia’s vulnerable communities require sustained support, and every effort counts in combating drought-induced devastation.
The foundation’s remarkable work has not gone unnoticed. Deputy Speaker of Hirshabelle Parliament, Hon. Mahad Hassan Osman, has commended and endorsed their dedication to humanitarian assistance. He urges partners, stakeholders, and development entities to support and collaborate with this impactful initiative, as it forges pathways to a brighter future for Somalia’s most vulnerable communities.
The story was first reported by Somalia’s prominent media organizations, including Onkod Radio and Universal TV.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
