Somalia Wraps Humanitarian Forum With Push for Early El Niño Action

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has concluded the 2026 Humanitarian Forum (CHF 2026) in Mogadishu, with government officials, humanitarian agencies and development partners calling for stronger preparedness and early action ahead of a forecast Super El Niño event.

The forum brought together federal ministers, the Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), representatives of Federal Member States, humanitarian organisations, international partners and civil society groups to discuss measures to reduce the potential humanitarian impact of heavy rains, flooding and displacement.

Discussions focused on strengthening flood preparedness and emergency response plans, mobilising humanitarian assistance and ensuring that early-warning information reaches vulnerable communities, particularly people living in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Participants also stressed the need for closer coordination between the federal government, Federal Member States and humanitarian organisations so that action can be taken before extreme weather causes widespread disruption.

SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Maallin Abdulle called for a coordinated national effort to prepare for the risks associated with El Niño, while Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Ali Yusuf Ali (Xoosh), who formally closed the forum, urged relevant institutions and humanitarian partners to work closely with SoDMA, the government’s lead agency for disaster management and coordination.

Somalia has stepped up preparations for the October-December rainy season amid warnings of potentially severe flooding. The emphasis on early action reflects efforts to use forecasts and early-warning systems to reduce the impact of flooding, displacement and other humanitarian emergencies before they occur.