MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s chief disaster official has said the country’s emergency food reserves are empty, even as millions of dollars in foreign assistance have been channelled to help communities facing a rapidly worsening drought.
Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, Director of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), made the admission on Tuesday, warning that the government is unable to provide meaningful support to the growing number of people affected.
His remarks came less than 24 hours after China announced a US$1 million contribution to SODMA to bolster drought-mitigation and relief operations, particularly in Somaliland’s Awdal region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Mogadishu, Abdulle said Somalis “have only Allah to help them”, urging religious leaders to mobilise public support for those facing hunger and water shortages. His comments have fuelled widespread public frustration, with many questioning how SODMA’s stores could be depleted despite substantial international aid.
The agency has long faced allegations of mismanagement, corruption and the diversion of relief supplies. Critics accuse officials of distributing aid along clan lines and engaging in nepotism.
Somalia has been grappling with recurrent droughts intensified by climate change, leaving millions in need of assistance. Aid agencies say the latest dry spell threatens to trigger severe food insecurity unless emergency support is delivered swiftly and transparently.
Abdulle did not clarify how recent foreign donations have been used or when SODMA expects to replenish its food reserves.
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