HARGEISA (SD) – President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) chaired an emergency cabinet meeting today, joined by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, to address the worsening drought emergency affecting large parts of the country. The crisis has caused severe hardship for rural communities, with devastating impacts on livestock, water resources, and the environment, particularly in the western and eastern regions, including Awdal, Selel, Sahil, and Sanag.

Ministers reviewed the catastrophic effects of the prolonged drought, with particular attention to regions where conditions have reached emergency levels. Cabinet members who recently visited affected areas in Selel and Awdal reported dire humanitarian situations threatening both human and animal survival.

Immediate delivery of water, food, and medical supplies to the hardest-hit areas, Development of a comprehensive national strategy for drought mitigation, and Coordination of relief efforts between government agencies and humanitarian partners

President Cirro declared the drought response a top government priority and called for Unified action from all sectors of society, Special contributions from businesses, religious leaders, and diaspora communities, the establishment of an emergency relief fund to support affected populations, and the suffering of our people demands urgent action.

“While we first seek Allah’s mercy in these difficult times, we must also mobilize every available resource. This crisis requires the collective effort of all Somalilanders – government institutions, private sector, religious leaders, and our diaspora must join hands to deliver relief to our affected communities.”” said President Irro.

The cabinet approved the immediate deployment of emergency supplies while finalizing a long-term drought management strategy. The President emphasized that climate resilience must become a national priority to prevent future crises of this magnitude.

Authorities encouraged citizens to contribute to relief efforts through designated channels, with special committees established to ensure transparent distribution of aid.