Somalia: Puntland Minister Criticizes Federal Government Over Aid Distribution

GAROWE, Somalia - Puntland's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ubah Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, has condemned the Federal Government of Somalia for bypassing regional authorities in the distribution of food aid, describing the move as politically motivated.

Speaking at a press conference in Bosaso on Saturday, Minister Ubah criticized the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) for handing over aid meant for 3,000 households to a Mogadishu-based politician, Abdullahi Mohamed Jama (Jigaato), instead of coordinating with Puntland's government.

"No aid can enter Puntland without coordination through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management," Minister Ubah stated, condemning SoDMA for what she described as an "unacceptable" bypass of Puntland governance.

The aid in question was announced by SoDMA on Friday to be directed towards drought and conflict-affected communities in Puntland. The Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has been accused of widespread corruption in the handling of humanitarian aid provided by donors and partner countries intended for Somali citizens affected by floods and droughts.

Minister Ubah underscored the lack of cooperation between her ministry and SoDMA, refuting any claims of prior federal aid to Puntland and calling for direct and transparent coordination in humanitarian efforts.

She urged respect for Puntland's autonomy in managing aid and requested international donors to engage directly with regional authorities to ensure effective aid distribution.

GAROWE ONLINE