Cabinet ministers review the impact of drought and irregular migration on Somali communities at its weekly meeting

Somalia’s Cabinet on Thursday held its regular weekly meeting, during which ministers reviewed reports on the ongoing drought affecting large parts of the country and its impact on water availability and food security. The government said it is planning urgent interventions to address the humanitarian situation.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, approved regulations establishing the National Disaster and Risk Management Fund. The framework is intended to strengthen preparedness, prevention and response to both natural and man-made disasters, while promoting coordination between government institutions and communities.

Cabinet also approved several key agreements and international conventions aimed at improving institutional capacity and service delivery. These include a maritime cooperation framework agreement between Somalia and Türkiye, the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006, the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks of 2007, and the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969.

In a separate briefing, the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants presented an assessment of irregular migration trends and their impact on Somali youth. The committee warned of the serious risks associated with migrant smuggling, including loss of life, injury, detention, abuse and exploitation.

The Cabinet said addressing humanitarian challenges, strengthening governance frameworks and protecting young people remain key priorities for the Federal Government of Somalia.