Somalia humanitarian forum concludes in Mogadishu with focus on El Niño preparedness

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A humanitarian forum in Somalia concluded in Mogadishu on Thursday, focusing on preparations for the expected impact of Super El Niño in 2026, early warning systems, anticipatory action and the mobilisation of humanitarian assistance.

The Somalia Humanitarian Forum (CHF 2026) brought together federal government ministers, the head of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), officials from federal member states, humanitarian organisations, international partners and civil society representatives.

Discussions focused on strengthening preparedness and response plans for possible flooding, as well as mobilising humanitarian support before crises escalate. Participants also stressed the need to ensure that early warnings and risk information reach vulnerable communities, particularly people living in remote areas.

The forum highlighted the importance of close coordination between the federal government, federal member states and humanitarian organisations to enable early action and reduce the potential impact of flooding, displacement and other humanitarian emergencies linked to El Niño.

SoDMA chairman Mohamud Maalim Abdulle said Somalia had reached a point where communities and institutions needed to strengthen coordination and fully mobilise to prevent and mitigate risks associated with El Niño.

The forum was formally closed by Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Ali Yusuf Ali (Xoosh), who urged all stakeholders involved in preparedness and disaster-risk reduction efforts to work closely with SoDMA.

Xoosh said SoDMA remains the country’s lead institution for disaster management and coordination, stressing the need for a coordinated approach to prepare for and respond to potential humanitarian emergencies.