Wednesday June 7, 2023
Kismayo (HOL) - The High-Level Country Humanitarian Forum (CHF) concluded in Kismayo, the interim administrative capital of Jubaland State in Somalia, on Tuesday.
The event brought together prominent figures, including President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, ministers from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS), BRA delegations, ambassadors, UN agencies, national and international NGOs, donors, and civil society representatives. They gathered for the 3rd Quarterly Country Humanitarian Forum under the leadership of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA).
The participants at the forum agreed on the importance of enhancing partnership and coordination among government and humanitarian actors across all sectors. Their main objectives were to share effective humanitarian practices and responses while focusing on the aid architecture, the Humanitarian Coordination Forum (MOPIED/SODMA), and the government's priorities in humanitarian efforts.
An essential topic of discussion during the High-Level Country Humanitarian Forum was included the impact of climate-induced disasters in Somalia, specifically the challenges posed by droughts and floods. The panel discussions shed light on the severity of these issues and the need for comprehensive strategies to address them.
President Ahmed Mohamed Islam emphasized the significance of prevention and the restoration of livelihoods for displaced communities. He assured attendees that the Jubaland State government would provide all necessary support to facilitate these efforts.
In addition, the SODMA Commissioner issued weather warnings regarding the approaching stormy weather in Somalia. The agency expressed concerns that an estimated 6.6 million people, equivalent to approximately 39% of the country's population, may experience a crisis or worse by June 2023 (IPC Phase 3 or above).
Somalia is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 6.6 million people expected to experience ccrisis or worse by June 2023 (IPC Phase 3 or above). Among these, 1.85 million people are projected to be in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and over 40,000 in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5). Droughts, floods, and conflicts have worsened the situation; nearly 3.7 million people are currently displaced across the country as of May 2023
Recent Flash floods have affected several areas in Somalia, with 460,470 people, of whom nearly 219,000 have been displaced from their homes, mainly in flood-prone areas, and 22 killed, according to UNOCHA. The situation highlights the need for urgent and coordinated action to address the humanitarian needs of the Somali population, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
The Federal Government of Somalia and the international community are urged to increase funding for humanitarian interventions to alleviate the ongoing Crisis. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Somali Disaster Management Agency plans to hold the forum every two months, ensuring the attendance of all MOHADMs for FMS, aid and humanitarian actors in Somalia, donor agencies, diplomats, and relevant ministers from both layers of the government.