aid

AXADLE, Somalia – In a fiery exchange reminiscent of a family dinner gone wrong, Northeastern State's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Ubax Abdirashid, has shot down assertions by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) that aid has been flowing into Northeastern State like water from a broken pipe. With gusto, Minister Ubax slammed the agency for making up tales as if auditioning for a soap opera, leveling accusations of corruption and shady dealings in the aid distribution game. "Aid to Northeastern…

In a dramatic turn of events, over 400 individuals trapped by a powerful earthquake in the Himalayas' foothills have been rescued, according to Chinese authorities. The relentless search for survivors is now into its second day, as more than 30,000 local residents have been relocated to safety. The tremor, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck in Tingri, situated approximately 80 kilometers north of the iconic Mount Everest. This fierce quake was one of the region's most intense shakes in recent memory, sending shockwaves across…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a bid to tackle the drought and humanitarian challenges looming over Somalia, Mahmoud Macalin Abdulle, the top dog at the Somali National Disaster Management Authority (SODMA), convened with a United Nations entourage. The delegation was steered by George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the all-around UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. At the heart of their pow-wow was the dry spell hitting various Somali regions,…

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…

HELSINKI, Finland (AX) — In a recent move, Finland has decided to hit pause on its development cooperation with Somalia. The primary reason? A lack of progress in settling agreements about sending back Somali folks who don’t have legal residency in Finland. Minister Ville Tavio, who handles Foreign Trade and Development, made the announcement on a Wednesday. “The suspension means no fresh funds will be approved,” Tavio stated plainly during a media briefing. He emphasized that this hold will last until Somalia makes…

In response to the surge in looting that has plagued humanitarian aid convoys in Gaza, fighters from Hamas and various other factions have united to form a new armed force. This move, fueled by escalating public outrage over the theft of crucial supplies, aims to restore some order amid the chaos. Reports from residents and insiders indicate that this newly established group has been actively engaging in operations against looters, even resulting in armed confrontations, with some thieves reported as casualties. Amid the…

Nearly 100 trucks filled with essential food supplies for Palestinians were subjected to brutal looting shortly after they entered Gaza, marking a significant loss during 13 months of ongoing conflict. This incident highlights the growing dire circumstances as hunger escalates, as reported by two UN agencies. The convoy, consisting of aid provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), was ordered by Israeli officials to take an uncharted route from the Kerem Shalom border…

Humanitarian access in Gaza has sunk to alarming lows. According to a United Nations official, getting essential supplies to residents in parts of the north—the area under siege—is nearly impossible. This stark reality stands in contrast to recent claims from the United States, which suggested that Israel is not hindering humanitarian aid to Gaza. This assertion seems to sidestep the complexities of U.S. military support for Israel amidst the ongoing crisis. Israel maintains that it is actively working to address the…

Baku, Azerbaijan (AX) — In a landmark move, Somalia's Ambassador Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, who serves as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, entered into an agreement with the Global Center for Climate Mobility on Thursday. This collaboration is aimed at supporting communities in Somalia that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Taking place in the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan, the alliance seeks to bolster Somalia's efforts in climate adaptation. The primary focus is on advancing…

The United States recently clarified that it does not believe Israel is breaching American laws regarding aid to Gaza, though it has called for faster progress in the humanitarian crisis. This statement comes hot on the heels of a warning from the Biden administration last month, suggesting it might reconsider military support if conditions didn’t improve. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed their concerns to Israel in a letter, indicating they were “deeply troubled” by the dire…