Over Half A Million Displaced Somalis To Benefit From Saudi-Backed Food Project

GOOBJOOG NEWS| MOGADISHU: Somalia’s disaster management agency on Monday launched a large-scale project to distribute 700 tons of dates to families displaced by conflict and drought in Mogadishu, in partnership with Saudi Arabia.

The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) said the programme will reach more than half a million people living in camps around the capital.

Speaking at the launch, Saudi ambassador Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Muwallad called the initiative “vital for vulnerable communities” and said it underscored the growing cooperation between Riyadh and Mogadishu.

SoDMA deputy commissioner Dr. Ahmed Abdi Adan said the project showed Somalia’s commitment to easing the hardship of displaced families, while Abdullahi Abdiqadir Abdi, head of Mahasin Foundation which is implementing the effort, praised its role in improving conditions in the camps.

Officials said the aid marks one of the largest single food support projects for Mogadishu’s displaced communities this year.