Beledweyne 21 November 2023-{HMC} , ATMIS Djiboutian troops donated assorted non-food items—mosquito nets, tarpaulins—to aid hundreds of families affected by floods in Beletweyne district, Hirshabelle State.

Col. Humad Ahmed Mohamed, commander of the 9th Battle Group, reaffirmed #ATMIS’s commitment to fostering #peace, stability, & aiding communities during disasters.

Governor Abdullahi Ahmed Malin ‘Sufuroow’ of Hiran region praised the troops’ timely intervention in supporting affected communities.

Baidoa, 21 November 2023-{HMC}– In a collaborative effort with the South West State Administration, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has extended support to people impacted by the severe El Nino rains.

ATMIS Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have distributed essential food and non-food items to the flood affected people in Baidoa, the capital of South West State where over half a million people are coping with the floods.

A member of the South West State El-Nino Response Committee, constituted by South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” and ATMIS ENDF Public Information Officer, Major Ahmed, highlighted rescue efforts undertaken by ATMIS ENDF troops.

“Our troops have been engaged in rescuing residents stranded in areas submerged by the raging floods.

“Our troops based in Bardheere, Burdhubo, and Garbaharay Forward Operating Bases in Jubaland’s Gedo region have conducted evacuation and rescue operations. These operations were successfully conducted using boats supplied by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA),” he said.

The South West State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Abdinassir Abdi Arush, thanked ATMIS for the support and called on other development partners for more assistance.

“We deeply appreciate ATMIS’ generous support and the continued commitment to the people of Somalia. This demonstrates the brotherliness and good relations between ATMIS and Somalis,” said the Minister.

The Minister who chairs the El Nino Response Committee reported that the relentless rains, which started in early October, have claimed 17 lives. He observed that the impact of the rains was more widespread than initially forecasted, affecting areas beyond the riverbanks in the Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle regions.

“Right now, the humanitarian situation in Southwest Somalia has deteriorated, with entire villages and farms submerged. We need an urgent, wider response, and we appeal to the federal government of Somalia and the Somali community for their assistance,” he added.

The Minister noted that the humanitarian agencies working in South West state were doing their best to contain the situation and called for wider urgent response. “We’re also calling on the federal government of Somalia and the Somali community to come to help us avert further humanitarian crises,” he said.

Beneficiaries like Hawa Adan Ahmed and Ibrahim Ali Yahya expressed their gratitude to ATMIS and the South West State administration for the timely aid.

“This support is much needed, and we are grateful to ATMIS and the South West State regional administration,” said Mr. Yahya.

The El Nino rains have caused significant disruption in the region, leaving many homeless, destroying vital infrastructure, and disrupting access to Main Supply Routes.

Tuesday November 21, 2023
By Brittney Ermon.

The Somali community in Minnesota is sending relief to loved ones in East Africa as severe floods sweep through the area.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding in East Africa are causing devastation for more than half a million people who were displaced in Somalia in recent weeks.

Food insecurity is growing, roads have become rivers and at least 130 people have died in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.

“I’m seeing the floods. I’m seeing the bridge is breaking down. It actually triggers me, so I tend to not watch,” said Fartun Weli, Isuroon founder and CEO.

Weli has family back in Somalia. She learned this morning the floods left them stranded.

“She [Grandma] was asking to get more money expedited, so I told her we’re fine. We’ll send money today and be safe,” she said.

Through her organization, Isuroon, she helps support Somali and East African families in Minnesota.

Families are sending more money back to their loved ones to address growing food insecurity and other challenges.

When disaster strikes, the Somali community in Minnesota says it’s second nature to help — no matter the cost.

“We send all the money back home and then here, we’re not able to purchase food,” she said. “Our food shelf, for example, it’s getting dried out faster.”

ARAHA is a nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities dedicated to helping people experiencing crisis in the Horn of Africa.

There are two offices on the ground providing updates to the Minnesota branch.

“The situation is so bad that in some areas there is no way even to bring the food to them because you have to drop it through a helicopter,” ARAHA Executive Director Mohamad Idris said. “The situation is devastating.”

For five consecutive seasons, the area has been suffering through a drought worsening food insecurity.

“When a situation like this [happens], and then you get another disaster before even you recover from the first one, it’s really difficult,” Idris said.

But with every crisis comes resiliency. Weli said the support within the community is strong and they’ll get through it together.

“That’s why immigrants and refugees are very resilient people. We do so much for each other,” Weli said. “I’m so grateful to the people I’m born from and we’re going to do well.”

Isuroon and ARAHA are accepting donations to help the lingering crisis in East Africa.

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Mogadishu, 21 June 2023 – International partners* are concerned about the violence in Garowe and its impact on civilians.

The partners call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and a return to calm. We call on all political stakeholders to engage in dialogue as the only avenue to address and resolve differences.

The recent escalation risks jeopardizing the positive outcomes secured following the recent district council elections in Puntland.

*African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Belgium, Denmark, Djibouti, Ethiopia, European Union (EU) Delegation, Germany, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Italy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Norway, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and United Nations.