drought

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…

Mogadishu (AX) — The situation in Somalia’s Awdal region has reached a critical juncture, prompting Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre to announce immediate relief efforts for communities devastated by severe drought conditions. This declaration specifically targets the districts of Zeylac and Lughaya, as well as their surrounding villages, where the impact of nature’s fury has been acutely felt. The Prime Minister’s directive was issued during a recent cabinet meeting held in Mogadishu, where government officials…

Urgent Call for Assistance in Galmudug Mogadishu (AX) — In a heartfelt plea that resonates with the urgency of the moment, Deputy President Ali Dahir Eid of Galmudug has reached out to Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), emphasizing the immediate need for aid to support communities grappling with the devastating effects of drought. "The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated," Eid stated during a high-level meeting in Mogadishu this past Saturday. "Our people are facing a humanitarian crisis…

The Harrowing Struggles of Laqaanley Village The plight of those in Laqaanley village is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by communities in drought-stricken areas. Farhiyo, a local resident, shared her experience, revealing the agonizing process of seeking credit from shopkeepers for the food her family desperately needs. Speaking candidly with Radio Ergo, she described a scene fraught with desperation. “The problem is worse for humans than for livestock. We have debts…

(ERGO) – Life in North Western State of Somalia's Awdal region has never been easy, and Jama Mohamed Hassan can tell you all about it. His eyes are weary, a reflection of the tribulations his family of 17 is enduring. Their grocery business in Ruqi—a lifeline for years—recently came to a standstill. Customers who once brought vitality to his store now only leave unpaid debts, totaling a staggering $6,000 over the last 10 months. Jama's story is not just his own. Forty other shopkeepers in the region have shuttered their…

In a world interconnected by complex socio-economic forces, the closure of the UN's Southern African bureau stands as a significant decision that reverberates across continents. As we delve into this development, one cannot help but ponder the ramifications on both global and local scales. Positioned amidst an evolving diplomatic climate, the relationship between South Africa and the United States finds itself under scrutiny. At this pivotal moment, the closure of the bureau, largely funded by U.S. contributions,…

Addressing Somalia's Overlapping Crises There are times when we find ourselves confronted by crises that weave themselves together, creating challenges that are daunting yet demand immediate action. As we cast our gaze upon Somalia, this narrative of intertwined emergencies unfolds—its fragility laid bare by nature's whims and the pressure of humanitarian needs. A Warning That Cannot Be Ignored "These overlapping crises demand immediate, collective, and well-coordinated action to strengthen Somalia’s resilience and…

On a seemingly typical Monday, the United Nations relief agency issued a fervent plea for bolstered resources to combat the worsening drought crisis ravaging several regions in Somalia. To some, a drought might evoke images of a sun-baked desert, but here it embodies a looming catastrophe jeopardizing countless lives. But how did we reach this critical juncture? The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) sounded an alarm about persistently extreme dry conditions worsening the already precarious…

Bosaso (AX) – In a twist of fate both intriguing and contentious, Northeastern State's regional leaders have turned down food aid supplied by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). This aid was intended to assist communities beleaguered by drought and conflict in Northeastern State. However, suspicions regarding both the aid's origins and its distribution process have cast a shadow over its intended purpose. During a no-holds-barred press briefing in Bosaso on the Sabbath, Northeastern State’s…

The Emirates have once again stepped up to the plate, offering a helping hand to Somalia by sending over 700 tons of essential food aid. This shipment aims to alleviate the harsh conditions faced by numerous families caught in the throes of a relentless drought sweeping across the Horn of Africa, as highlighted by Anadolu Agency. During a heartfelt ceremony, the Somali National News Agency disclosed that the provisions were formally handed over to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). Notable attendees included…