Somalia: Jubaland Denies receiving aid from SoDMA, Slams Politicization of assistance

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland’s Minister of Humanitarian, Abdirahman Mohamed denied claims by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) that it has delivered any aid to his regional state, which is currently in a political dispute with the Somali government.

Speaking at a press conference in Kismayo, Mohamed expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicization of humanitarian assistance by the Federal Government of Somalia through SoDMA.

“The Federal Government of Somalia is pressuring the international aid organizations not to deliver humanitarian assistance to Jubaland. The life-saving aid meant for our region has been redirected elsewhere for political purposes,” Mohamed said.

He accused the federal government of blocking humanitarian and development projects intended for Jubaland, including aid donated by countries such as China, the UAE, and Turkey.

The regional minister alleged that much of this aid has been withheld in Mogadishu and called on the Somali people and the international community to take note of what he described as unjust practices.

“There is no aid from SoDMA that has reached Jubaland. Additionally, we are aware that significant amounts of aid destined for Jubaland remain stuck in Mogadishu,” he stated.

Puntland officials have voiced similar concerns, alleging that aid meant for people suffering from drought and floods has been politicized by the federal government. Puntland leaders accused Mogadishu of diverting essential assistance away from affected areas in their region to serve political objectives.

Both Jubaland and Puntland claim that the Federal Government is imposing restrictions on humanitarian organizations and donor countries, requiring all aid to be processed exclusively through Mogadishu. Jubaland’s Humanitarian Ministry described the measures as politically motivated attempts to undermine relief efforts in the regional states.

The allegations highlight ongoing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Federal states, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of aid amidst the country’s pressing humanitarian needs.

GAROWE ONLINE