Day: May 11, 2023

In a bid to address the catastrophic flooding that has ravaged the town of Baladweyne and its surrounding areas, the President of Hirshabeelle state, Ali Gudlawe, has held a crucial meeting with representatives from various UN agencies operating in Somalia.

The meeting, held in Baladweyne, aimed at coordinating a relief response for the displaced and affected families.

During the meeting, which brought together delegates from UN-OCHA, WFP, FOA, UNSOS, and UNSOM, the President briefed the envoys on the current situation in Baladweyne, where the river Shabeelle has burst its banks, leading to massive flooding.

The floods have displaced many families, leaving them out in the cold. Others remain trapped in flooded areas and are in dire need of immediate evacuation.

The Hirshabeelle President, in his address, passionately appealed to the UN agencies to participate in the rescue operation and provide essential emergency relief.

He emphasized that the people of Baladweyne require immediate assistance in the form of food, clean water, and shelter.

Given the urgency of the situation, President Ali Gudlawe called on the UN agencies to offer coordinated, timely, and effective aid to the people of Baladweyne.

He stated that the situation required a robust humanitarian response, which would help to alleviate the suffering of the affected families.

The meeting was critical in paving the way for a coordinated relief response, which will help to provide lifesaving assistance to the affected communities. The UN agencies pledged their support, with each agency outlining its plan for intervention.

As the people of Baladweyne continue to grapple with the devastating effects of the floods, the UN agencies and the Hirshabeelle state government have vowed to work together in a bid to ease their suffering.

The concerted effort by all stakeholders will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief to the affected families, helping them to rebuild their lives and communities.

Source: Somali National News Agency

The President of the Federal Government of Somalia HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today endorsed a set of anti-corruption directives approved by the Council of Ministers in a cabinet meeting.

The directives focus on combating corruption and fostering accountability, aiming to strengthen public financial management systems and meritocracy, as well as improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions. The President urges an expedient implementation of the directives.

Somalia is at a consequential moment as we deepen state-building, security, and economic development efforts.

Central to achieving success in these endeavors is ensuring government systems are built on the sound principles of accountability, transparency and integrity based on the country’s laws. The willful lack of adherence to these directives will result in legal consequences.

These directives reinforce current reforms and introduce additional measures that address the most critical priorities including the strengthening of procurement and concession processes, public asset management, and the audit framework.

In addition, the announced steps seek to increase transparency and accountability through financial disclosures by public officials, enhanced enforcement capacity, and expanded merit-based recruitment.

‘Tackling corruption is not only a moral imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and a just and equitable Somalia. We are determined to build transparent and accountable systems that serve the Somali people.’ – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

The Federal Government of Somalia remains commiMed to the immediate implementation of the directives as part of a comprehensive and long-term financial governance strategy that engages the Somali public and its international partners.

Source: Somali National News Agency