UN, Somali Region agree to ramp up response to drought inflicted humanitarian situation

Addis Ababa, March 21, 2022 (FBC) – A high level delegation including UN Resident Coordinator and UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Ethiopia Catherine Sozi and UNDP Ethiopia Resident Representative Turhan Saleh arrived in Somali Region this morning to observe the drought situation and respective responses and recovery works underway to tackle the problem.

The delegation conferred with President of the region, Mustafa Omer on the efforts underway to address the humanitarian situation inflicted by the drought condition.

On the occasion, Mustafa told the delegation that the Regional government has started engaging with development partners to identify areas of cooperation to strengthen the resilience of the affected communities so that their capacity to absorb shocks is enhanced.

Various coordinated efforts are under way to tackle effects of this year drought which is the worst in the last 40 years, he said.

The government is working hard in cooperation with development agencies to implement projects that would help rehabilitate people affected by the drought in the region, he added.

Regional President, Mustafa Omer has signed cooperation agreement with the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Dr. Catherine Sozi and UNDP Ethiopia Resident Representative Turhan Saleh for joint rehabilitation projects.