Sunday May 25, 2025
Jowhar (HOL) – The Hirshabelle Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has suspended all cooperation with the Somali National Disaster Management Authority (SODMA), citing repeated failures in aid delivery and a lack of transparency.
In a press statement released on Sunday, the regional ministry accused SODMA of mishandling humanitarian supplies, particularly referencing a recent incident in the Moqokori district, where only small cartons of medicine were delivered in what was intended to be a critical humanitarian operation.
“This decision is based on persistent misunderstandings, mishandling of aid intended for the people of Hirshabelle, and lack of transparency in the aid management process,” the ministry stated.
The move follows harsh criticism from Hiiraan regional governor Muse Salad Wehliye, who condemned the federal agency for what he labeled as “inadequate and disgraceful” aid to Somali National Army (SNA) troops and Macawisley militia forces fighting Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan.
Governor Muse had earlier lambasted SODMA’s delivery of “just a few cartons of food” via two planes as insulting and unacceptable, given the sacrifices of local forces on the frontlines.
Despite growing backlash, SODMA has not publicly responded to either the governor’s remarks or the Hirshabelle Ministry’s decision. The suspension now raises further questions about coordination between federal and regional disaster response authorities, especially as local forces push forward in the fight against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.